"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.
Bayer 04 will have to manage without attacking midfielder Martin Terrier for the time being. The Frenchman sustained a muscle injury to his left hamstring yesterday, Thursday 15 October, during the Europa League game against Polish champions Lech Poznan (4–0). Terrier is not expected to be available until late December.
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Following the international break, the Bayer 04 women’s team face their next head-to-head clash in the race for a top spot in the Bundesliga. In Saturday’s home match (14:00 CEST), the fourth-placed side host third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. Head coach Roberto Pätzold is well aware of the great opportunity this presents for his team.
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Keep the momentum going against the current league leaders: On Sunday, 18 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself – unbeaten in their last six matches – host SC Freiburg at the BayArena. For their part, Freiburg have yet to lose a single game this season. Ahead of the clash with SCF, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the team spirit within his squad and the strengths of the upcoming opponents. The Spaniard also commented on Martin Terrier and the attacking options available in the squad.
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Malik Tillman described Leverkusen’s first European competition game in Poland in more than three decades as a “successful trip”. On matchday 2 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League, the Werkself secured a commanding 4–0 victory away at champions Lech Poznan, a result that brought a number of positives. This fourth win in a row should also provide further momentum for the upcoming home fixture. The Werkself review of the Europa League night in Poland.
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