On Friday morning, the Dutchman was first coming to terms with the match at BSC Young Boys the day before: "I watched the full 90 minutes of the game once again. I always do that. Then I discuss my conclusions either with the whole team or with individual players – today I spoke to everybody. We weren't happy with the first half, the reaction from the team after the break was something that every coach would want. There you could see: Things can change quickly in football."
According to the 57-year-old, the most important thing now is to focus on the away game at FC Augsburg. FCA have lost six of their last seven league matches. As a comparison: There were only five defeats in the first 14 matches. "Augsburg also need the points. So, two teams are playing each other and both definitely want to win," declared Peter Bosz ahead of the clash with his predecessor on the Leverkusen bench, FCA coach Heiko Herrlich.
As in Bern, the Dutchman will have to manage without his number one keeper Lukas Hradecky against the Bavarian Swabians. As the Finn was unable to train on Friday due to continuing problems with his heel, he is not an option for the game at FCA. Lars Bender is again ruled out due to injury, as is Karim Bellarabi. But the winger has now returned to training away from the squad following his muscle injury.
Mitchell Weiser (muscle injury) returned to full training for the first time on Friday. Central defender Sven Bender was back on the training ground several days ago. The 31-year-old could be back on the pitch in Augsburg the first time in 2021.
Should the experienced defender be available then he will, together with his teammates, have to be aware of Augsburg playing on the break. Bosz explained that element: "They often try to counter-attack. But against top teams they have more often applied pressure further up the pitch." Which tactics Herrlich will want to use against his former club was countered by his opposite number on Friday: "We are prepared for the opposition and we want to win the game. It's down to us to produce a good performance on Sunday."
Match information:
Broadcasters: DAZN and Werks11 Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game
Bayer 04 have comfortably reached the DFB Pokal second round thanks to a 4–0 victory away to Liga 3 side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Patrik Schick put the Werkself ahead in the first 45 in the first competitive match under head coach Carles Martínez with debuts for new signings Miguel Gutiérrez, Afonso Moreira and Facundo Medina. After the break, Lucas Vázquez (47'), Nathan Tella (69') and Christian Kofane (79') also found the back of the net.
Show more
Today brings the first match of the season for the Werkself. Bayer 04 kick off the 2026/27 campaign today, Saturday 22 August, at 13:00 CEST with a first-round DFB Pokal tie away to third-tier side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The 3,700 travelling fans can not only look forward to what will hopefully be a successful start to the season, but also now organise their journeys to Black and Reds games even more easily via the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Meanwhile, following two defeats at the start of the league season, SV Wehen are hoping to spring a surprise in the DFB Pokal tie. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
Carolin Simon is the new captain of the Bayer 04 women’s team. The full-back, who joined from Bayern Munich in the summer, will take over the captain’s armband for the 2026/27 season. Simon returned to Leverkusen in the summer after ten years away. The 33-year-old succeeds goalkeeper Friederike Repohl, who retired at the end of last season.
Show more
With the 2026/27 season set to kick off with a DFB Pokal tie away to SV Wehen Wiesbaden (Saturday, 22 August, 13:00 CEST), the squad numbers for two Werkself players have now been confirmed. New signing Afonso Moreira will wear the number 9, which he has already worn in pre-season friendlies. Lucas Vázquez is switching from number 21 to number 17 – the number he wore successfully at Real Madrid for many years.
Show more
Bayer 04 start the 2026/27 season away to third-division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Ahead of the DFB Pokal tie on Saturday 22 August (kick-off: 13:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez spoke at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. The topics: anticipation, passion, the fans’ support – and the captaincy for the new season.
Show more
