3-1, 7-1 and 2-5 – those are the results from the last three Bundesliga matches for the Werkself. That stands up against 17 goals in the TSG games. Werkself head coach Gerardo Seoane can "live with less goals being scored tomorrow night." More important for him: "I'm happy when the performance is right. Of course, that has to be turned into a good result in the end. But that's not just dependent on goals. Much more it's about how the team acts defensively and offensively. We coaches always look at the bigger picture."
After last Sunday's 5-2 defeat at Eintracht Frankfurt, Seoane emphasised that both the players and the coaching staff are "always self-critical and ready to accept responsibility." The Swiss coach added: "The players have often shown a good reaction after poor results." The 43-year-old named the example of the good performance in the Europa League group match at Real Betis (1-1) just a few days after the 5-1 defeat against Bayern Munich.
In the clash between the teams lying third and fourth, the Werkself will look to impose their own game on the closest pursuers from the Kraichgau. "We want to act instead of react. For that, we want to give the team, through good preparation, a sense of security and also offer them solutions," explained Seoane. The lead over TSG is currently one point.
Jeremie Frimpong will not play for the first time this season. The right-back misses the match against Hoffenheim after picking up a fifth yellow card. Seoane was keeping his cards close to his chest in terms of whether this absence will mean the introduction of a like for like player or a change to the system. Timothy Fosu-Mensah, having recovered from his torn cruciate, would be available for inclusion in the squad.
In addition to Frimpong, the only other players missing are Julian Baumgartlinger and Mitchel Bakker. Florian Wirtz, who is set to make his 50th Bundesliga appearance at the age of just 18, is also fit to play as are all of the other Werkself players. Asked about the record of the number 27, the Swiss boss waxed lyrical: "The adjectives are missing with him. His development is phenomenal for his age. He is not only a regular first choice but also a leader." In the 5-2 defeat against Eintracht Frankfurt, Wirtz did also have "difficulty in making his mark against defiant opposition. But it's normal that not every game can be outstanding. But he makes a very down-to-earth impression and is very determined to continue his development."

After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Kennet Eichhorn. Bayer 04 have signed the 16-year-old midfielder from Hertha Berlin. Read on to find out more about our new signing.
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