Herrlich has no objections to building on recent success as he admitted at the pre-match press conference ahead of the league match in Frankfurt: "We want to carry on where we left off against RB Leipzig last week: We're obviously going there to win the game. That would represent a huge step forwards for us." The Werkself are two points behind the team in seventh and a win would take the Black and Reds above Eintracht and keep them in touch with the top spots. The encounter promises much excitement. "The way I see Frankfurt they can easily compete for a European finish. They have an outstanding coach in Niko Kovac. Since he took over as coach the team has moved out of the relegation zone and continue to develop – last season they were even in the DFB Cup final," said Herrlich.
"The statistics are well known and they have the third best defence in the league. So it will bee very difficult for us to score there," predicted Herrlich. The Werkself head coach particularly praised the tactical finesse of the team from Hessen: "We're playing against a very good side that's very flexible both in attack and defence and are therefore difficult to predict. Sometimes they push up, sometimes they sit back and play out from defence or they choose to play a long, targeted ball to Sebastien Hallér." Herrlich made it clear his team needed to deal with Eintracht's top scorer (five goals) and new signing Kevin Prince Boateng. Last season, he used Frankfurt games to further his work. So it's no surprise that Herrlich is expecting a "very difficult task": "We again need to build on our work against the ball like we did so well against Leipzig."
In terms of the line-up, Bayer 04 primarily have to be prepared to make changes in defence: In addition to Wendell (fifth yellow card) and Benjamin Henrichs (one-match suspension), Sven Bender is not yet available following his double rib fracture. Although he was able to train during the week the defender was still suffering pain. "He's only up to 70 per cent so we won't take any risks. All the players who can give 100 per cent can help us more. We have 20 fit outfield players and a lot of quality in reserve," explained Herrlich. He will also have to manage without Vladlen Yurchenko (bruised foot). In contrast, he again has Panos Retsos available. Following his cold at the start of the week he returned to training on Wednesday and is in the squad for tomorrow's game.
Around 1,300 Werkself supporters are expected to follow the team to Frankfurt.
A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
Show more
On Monday evening, 8 June, around 250 people came to the Bürgerhaus Baumberg at the invitation of Bayer 04 to find out details of the new plans for the campus on Alfred-Nobel-Straße at an information event. More compact, greener and with many advantages for Monheim am Rhein - those are the aims. There were lively discussions for around three hours and some misunderstandings were cleared up.
Show more
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
Show more
When Malik Tillman arrived at Bayer 04 Leverkusen from PSV Eindhoven last summer, he did more than just add attacking midfield strength to the team — he reconnected the club with a unique and understated American lineage that stretches back more than three decades.
Show more
Bayer 04 are away to third-division club SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal. That was the outcome of the draw on Saturday night, 6 June, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The Werkself first round tie will be played between 21 and 24 August. The exact date has yet to be finalised.
Show more
