While Bayer 04 go into the home game with a fair amount of confidence given the 1-0 win against SC Paderborn and progression to the last 32 of the DFB Cup, Gladbach have had to cope with the late cup exit away to Borussia Dortmund (1-2). "But I don't think being knocked out means much for the forthcoming game," said Bosz dismissing such thoughts. "They put great pressure on Dortmund and played with a lot courage and energy and, at times, produced some very good football." The Werkself coach was not interested in questions about who are the favourites: "We want to win the game!"
Above all, a look at the table shows the significance of this match: A win would put Bayer 04 within a point of Borussia Mönchengladbach and secure a position amongst the leading group. The teams in the top half of the table are so close together that there is a good chance of moving up with a win. "Last week I thought the table would have thinned out. But it's still very tight given the many draws and also defeats for the top teams," said Bosz before adding: "Therefore, there's no point looking at other teams. We want to win the game because we want to compete at the very top. The three points would help us a lot with that."
The Werkself coach was able to relate good news about the current injury situation at Bayer 04: Wendell, Charles Aránguiz and Leon Bailey have returned to training and "they had a light session yesterday." Bosz is very happy to see the return of injured players given the busy fixture list.
Lucas Alario has been centre stage in recent games. The 27-year-old scored against Bremen and against Paderborn in the cup. The striker has been rewarded for his performances with another call-up to the Argentina squad. "He absolutely deserves it! He's playing brilliantly, is fit and scoring goals. The fact he has been called up again, although Messi is back, must be very good for his confidence," said Bosz in praise of his player who could again make the difference in the match against the league leaders Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Match information:
Attendance: Bayer 04 are expecting a sold-out BayArena.
Referee: Daniel Siebert (Berlin)
Live on TV: Sky
Matchday hashtag: #B04BMG
Happy birthday, Patrik Schick! On his special day, it's not just the Czech striker who can look forward to lots of presents and hopefully many more goals – Bayer 04 fans can also get their hands on a free number 14 print when they buy a Werkself jersey today, January 24! In addition, a match-worn jersey belonging to the now 30-year-old will be raffled off among all purchasers next week.
Show more
The Werkself are looking for the first win of the new calendar year: Ahead of the sold-out Bundesliga home match against SV Werder Bremen on Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET), head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about taking chances, possible winter transfers and a “Lion" returning to the Leverkusen matchday squad.
Show more
Werder Bremen play Bayer 04 for the 90th time in the Bundesliga this Saturday, 24 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET). The overall record so far still favours the Green and Whites, who have 28 wins against the Black and Reds (with 25 defeats and 36 draws). The visit to the BayArena marks the start of a crucial busy week for Werder Bremen with clashes against TSG Hoffenheim and Borussia Mönchengladbach to follow. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
A great start to the new eSports year as the Leverkusen professional gamers pick up nine points in the first three of six matches in the online preliminary round of the fourth showdown of the VBL Club Championship 2025/26. Between big wins, wonder goals and composed performances, there was plenty on offer against VfB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and FC Augsburg.
Show more
