Back
17.05.2020Bundesliga

Bosz: ‘Players know what’s expected of them’

It’s not only Bundesliga fixtures that are taking place in unusual circumstances because of the coronavirus pandemic. For the first time via a video conference, Werkself head coach Peter Bosz fielded questions from journalists at the pre-match press conference ahead of the clash with Werder Bremen on Monday night (kick-off: 20.30 CET, live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio at bayer04.de).
crop_20200304_schueler_b04_pk_0020.jpg

One player is missing for tomorrow’s trip to Bremen: Lars Bender. The team captain suffered an injury to his foot and is sidelined for the Werder game. Kevin Volland is also unavailable as he continues his recovery in rehab from an ankle ligament injury. “Otherwise, we’ll have all the lads with us who are normally in the squad. We’ll also have some youth players with us, including Florian Wirtz,” said Bosz, who expressed his satisfaction with the youth player: “He has to be a good player – otherwise he wouldn’t train with us regularly as a 17-year-old.”

Praise for players’ discipline

A day before the restart in Bremen, the Dutchman highlighted the “very good” discipline of his team. “I’ve been working with them for three months during the coronavirus pandemic and I have to say they know what’s expected of them. In addition, our team doctor Dr. Karl-Heinrich Dittmar was very good in explaining to them what they can and cannot do,” said Bosz, who has logically dedicated attention this week to the thought of “how we can win the game against Werder.”

In preparation for the game, the Werkself played a practice match at the BayArena simulating the new coronavirus conditions. “We have to be able to handle it. The emotions will be different and also the situation of being able to hear more. We’ve tried to reproduce that at our own ground with eleven-a-side training,” said Bosz.

Bosz: “Win our games”

The circumstances around the hygiene regulations applicable before and after matchdays plus the absence of fans are both new experiences for the Dutch coach. The 56-year-old paid close attention to yesterday’s first Bundesliga fixtures in 66 days – above all, on the rivals in the race for a Champions League slot. “Of course, we’re looking at our direct rivals. But I don’t think we’re under more pressure because of that. We have to mind our own business and win our games,” said Bosz. After the two-month break, the desire is still there for the “attractive and dominant” Bayer 04 style of play.

“More influence for us”

For the first time, matchday 26 also brings the rule change of five substitutions instead of three per team per match that applies to the end of the season. Bosz: “That gives us coaches extra chances of having more influence on the game.”

Match information:
Broadcasters: DAZN and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game

Related News

Loreen Bender und Vanessa Fudalle bejubeln den Treffer
Women - 18.07.2025

Women end first part of preseason with 1-0 win against Ajax

A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.

Show more
Alejo Sarco
Bayer 04 - 17.07.2025

Bayer 04 Brazil Tour – Sarco: ‘I’m learning every day and I feel good’

Alejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 17.07.2025

Bayer 04 Brazil Tour – Media event with Carro, Rolfes and ten Hag

The friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.

Show more
crop_20250717_JS_BRA_Day3_3481.jpg
Bayer 04 - 17.07.2025

Bayer 04 Brazil Tour – Day three blog: Footvolley an Ipanema beach– Quansah and Kofane on board

Day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).

Show more