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."

Bayer 04 will round off their 2026/27 pre-season preparations with a friendly against Premier League side Newcastle United. The match against the side featuring German internationals Malik Thiaw and Nick Woltemade will take place on Saturday 15 August (kick-off: 4 pm German time/3 pm local time) at St James’ Park. Werkself-TV will stream the match live in full and free of charge after logging in from 3.50 pm...

After the 2-1 defeat at Premier League club Nottingham Forest the night before, it was straight back to work for the Werkself at midday on Thursday with an intensive training session in hot temperatures at the hosts' training ground.
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The Werkself suffered a first defeat in the current pre-season fixtures. The sixth friendly of the summer ended in 2-1 reverse at Premier League Nottingham Forest. The English side took an early lead (4’) but Patrik Schick levelled just after the half-hour mark (32’). Nothing much happened after that, and the match looked set to end in a draw. However, the hosts managed to score the winning goal late on (90').
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned U19 midfielder Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch second-tier side Roda JC Kerkrade for one year. The 18-year-old Germany youth international has a long-term contract at the club to 2031.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has taken note of the final, non-binding statement issued by the Bundeskartellamt regarding the 50+1 rule and its application, and will now examine it carefully.
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