"Not many opponents have taken an attacking approach against us this season. But when you play top teams like Gladbach or Dortmund and both teams want to win then it will be an open and attractive game. And I'm expecting one like that against Leipzig on Saturday," said the Dutchman. His expectation is also supported by the stats: The team from Saxony have the best home record in the Bundesliga this season going into matchday 19 with 22 points from nine games – the Werkself have 17 points from nine away games (like Stuttgart) and are only surpassed by league leaders FC Bayern (19 from nine). So strength at home meets strength on the road.
Both teams are currently on course to qualify for the Champions League but the pressure from below is growing ever stronger as Bosz recognises. "A number of teams are fighting for a place in the top four this season. But the most important thing is that we pick up points ourselves. We have to try and get on a good run and win our games. Clocking up points – that's the most important thing."
Against Leipzig, who Bosz believes have better positional play this season compared with recent years, the 57-year-old has to cope with the absence of several players. In addition to the long-term injured Julian Baumgartlinger, who this week underwent a successful cruciate operation, Santiago Arias and Paulinho, Mitchell Weiser and Sven Bender are also sidelined. Nadiem Amiri is not an option due to his Covid-19 infection nor is new signing Jeremie Frimpong, who is currently in self-isolation following his arrival in Germany. And Lars Bender is not yet available – "he hasn't trained with the team as yet and will not be in the squad for the game against Leipzig,"
In contrast, Exequiel Palacios has made further progress in full training over the last two weeks . The coach was unwilling to say whether he would be ready for the weekend. "We have to observe him day by day and also wait for the final training session."
In spite of the number of players sidelined – Bosz does not want to complain about the situation. "If I look round then I can see that other clubs have more players missing," he said. This was on the cards due to the crowded fixture lists in a short space of time and the coronavirus pandemic. "It's extreme but we have to deal with it. And up to now we've done well compensating for the absent players. Therefore, I'm assuming we'll also be able to do that against Leipzig."
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreA new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreThe Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
Show moreBosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
Show more