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
Season tickets for the Werkself home matches in the new Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga season are now on general sale. The season ticket is valid for all 13 matches at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The first home match will be played between 28 and 31 August against the runners-up, VfL Wolfsburg, followed by the clash with the German champions, Bayern Munich, between 11 and 14 September.
Show more
A new team, a new environment, a new challenge—and yet one thing remains the same for Afonso Moreira: his attitude. Total dedication, discipline, and the drive to improve every day have defined the Portuguese player since his early days at Sporting CP. “Even back then, I realized I had to work hard to achieve my goals,” said the 21-year-old. His parents also instilled those values in him from a young age. Values that have driven him ever since, accompanied him to France when he signed for Lyon, and now also form the foundation for his new chapter at Bayer 04. At a media session, the lightning-fast winger spoke about his values, as well as his new teammates, the new coach, and his targets at the club.
Show more
Former Bundesliga and Germany keeper Manfred Manglitz, who was promoted to the Oberliga West with Bayer 04 in 1962, passed away on Monday at the age of 86.
Show more
Justine Brandau and Lobke Loonen joined the Bayer 04 Women’s squad in quick succession this summer. The two Dutch players have been friends since their youth days, and are now playing for the same club for the first time. In an interview at the training camp in Rieden, Brandau and Loonen talk, amongst other things, about their experiences as opponents in the Vrouwen Eredivisie, the dynamic within their new team and their first few weeks in Leverkusen.
Show more
