"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.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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A goal-fest to kick off the U19 European Championship in Wales: Germany defeated Denmark 4–3 in their first Group A fixture. Both Montrell Culbreath and captain Francis Onyeka were in the starting line-up, with the latter scoring the first goal of the game from the penalty spot on five minutes.
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Bayer 04 have transferred U19 midfielder Emmanuel Chigozie Owen to FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie.
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Renovation work has been underway at the BayArena for several weeks now as part of the stadium’s routine refurbishment after 17 years. More and more of the new folding seats – which, from next season, will provide significantly greater comfort and make it easier to move between rows – have now been installed. The new high-quality seats have now been fitted throughout the entire east stand, giving the BayArena a new lease of life.
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