"We’re happy to get back into a rhythm," declared the Bayer 04 coach. "We are doing some things very well but there are other areas that need improving. With so many games in such a short space of time we have the chance to move on quickly."
The Bayer 04 coach made no secret of possible changes to the starting eleven at Frankfurt: "We have outstanding alternatives. It's very probable there may be one or two changes at the end of a busy week." Overall, Schmidt was full of anticipation ahead of the away game. "In the Bundesliga we want to carry on where we left off against Hamburg. We are looking forward to the chance of showing what we can do again."
Question mark over Bender
It remains to be seen whether the skipper Lars Bender will be available on Saturday. Although the captain limped off in the 51st minute in Wednesday’s Champions League match against CSKA Moscow, to be replaced by Kevin Volland, the injury does not appear to be that serious. Schmidt: "Lars Bender had severe cramp. He was treated yesterday. And we’ll decide today whether or not he can play tomorrow."
Schmidt is expecting an exciting game against Eintracht Frankfurt: "Eintracht are in a stage of transformation. They are a dangerous opponent with their fans behind them." On Bundesliga match day three the Werkself will play in a brand-new JAKO shirt called the 'Bayer edition'. The shirt is in Bayer company colours representing the unique link between the club and parent company.
The kit is available from all Bayer 04 stores from Friday as well as in the online shop.
In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
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Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
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Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
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