The fourth-placed visitors are still considered by many pundits to be the surprise package of the Bundesliga but the Werkself coach Peter Bosz sees more than that in the next opponents. “If a team is at the top of the league after eleven games and you see the great results they’ve got against top clubs then it’s not really a surprise any more,” said the 56-year-old, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, at the pre-match press conference. Christian Streich’s team have picked up an impressive 21 points to date and are level on points with second-placed RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich in third. “Freiburg are getting a lot of things right: They play well as a team and their transitions are quick,” added Bosz.
One reason for the success is definitely the SCF coach Streich who has been at the helm for eight years. The achievements of the 54-year-old include taking the club straight back up to the top flight in 2015/16 after being relegated the previous season. “The fact he’s been the coach for so long shows he’s getting a lot right – hats off to him!“, said Bosz in praising his opposite number.
The Black and Reds are looking for a win against SCF to extend the run from before the international break of three wins in four games. “We’ve got some important games coming up. After that, we’ll be able to see where we are up to in Europe and in the Bundesliga,” said the Dutchman. “These matches will show where we’re headed for the rest of the season.”
Leverkusen have found it difficult to get going again immediately after breaks this season – and have not earned any decent results up to now. Asked about the run of two defeats after international breaks this term (0-4 at Dortmund and 0-3 at Frankfurt), the Dutchman explained: “I don’t normally worry about things like that – but it is something in the back of my mind.” It’s always difficult if the players only come back just before games.
Bosz was very happy that his midfield dynamo Charles Aránguiz has returned fit and raring to go. The reason: The planned friendly for Chile in Lima was called off due to unrest in Peru. “He returned to training earlier than expected today,” said the Bayer 04 coach who faces Freiburg without Kai Havertz, Daley Sinkgraven and Joel Pohjanpalo (all injured) plus the suspended Leon Bailey.


Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
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Starting with the 2026/27 season, Bayer 04 has created a permanent memorial space at the BayArena. In the upper section of Block A in the southeast corner of the stadium, Werkself fans can honour friends and family members with whom they have shared many special moments connected to Bayer 04. In the coming months, this space will be gradually expanded, in particular with the active support of the fans.
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Bayer 04 has secured a new premium partner in DXC Technology, a leading provider of enterprise technology and innovation. The club has agreed a partnership with DXC running until 30 June 2028. At the heart of the partnership is DXC’s role as an AI integration partner. The company is integrating Bayer 04’s previously separate digital systems into a unified fan journey that begins long before matchday and extends well beyond the stadium visit. As a partner of the women’s team and main sponsor of #B04eSports, DXC will be supporting two promising sections of the club during this period. DXC will also gain significant visibility as the sleeve partner of the women’s team in the DFB Pokal.
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Union Berlin have already shown great fighting spirit and courage in their first two matches of the season. In their away match at Leverkusen on Saturday, 5 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Irons, under new coach Mauro Lustrinelli, are determined to be a tough opponent for the Werkself. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured a new premium partner in the form of DRIVIO. DRIVIO, already part of the club’s partner portfolio as a reliable car subscription partner for Bayer 04, will continue to support the club in this capacity and, with immediate effect, also join the premium group of companies that cooperate closely with the Werkself. The premium and car subscription partnership between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and DRIVIO will initially run until 30 June 2027.
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