
"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.


Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 0-1 loss against SGS Essen on the 11th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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VfL Wolfsburg, without a win against Bayer 04 at home in the Volkswagen Arena for over ten years, will be looking to reverse the trend following the recent dismissal of their coach and sporting director. Werkself coach Kasper Hjulmand, who will be reunited with several Wolves players he knows from his time as the Denmark head coach, will do everything in his power to continue Leverkusen's unbeaten run in the Autostadt. The match against VfL Wolfsburg will also include Germany's bid to host the UEFA Women's EURO 2029. Today’s matchday news.
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Following the international break, Bayer 04 are away to VfL Wolfsburg on Bundesliga matchday 11 in 2025/26, on Saturday, 22 November (kick-off: 15:30 CET) in the first of eight matches between now and Christmas. Ahead of the game at the Volkswagen Arena, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the Wolves, the reunion with some familiar faces and the latest updates on his own squad.
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VfL Wolfsburg are looking for a fresh start after parting company with head coach Paul Simonis and sporting director Sebastian Schindzielorz during the recent international break. The Wolves are looking to kick off their revival this Saturday, 22 November (kick-off: 15:30 CET), in the home game against the Werkself. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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His loss has left Bayer 04 deeply saddened: Dieter Herzog, World Cup winner in 1974 and seven years playing for Bayer 04, passed away this week at the age of 79.
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