"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.
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.
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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.
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In keeping with the current freezing temperatures, Bayer 04 has heavily discounted numerous winter items – from cozy hats and sporty matchday clothing to stylish fleece and winter jackets.
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The fourth showdown in the VBL Club Championship 2025/26 starts for the Leverkusen eSports team today, Thursday 22 January (live on the B04eSports Twitch channel and on the Bayer 04 app from 19:00 CET). In the online preliminary round, the Black and Reds will once again compete with six previously drawn opponents for a place in the Top 16 and the associated entry into the offline knockout round in Berlin on 2 February at the fourth showdown. The lowdown on our next three opponents in the online preliminary round.
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