Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz did watch yesterday's performance of the Green and Whites in the Europa League and drew the conclusion: "There are two sides to Wolfsburg this season." Probably true: The Wolves were 1-0 up at half-time against KAA Gent thanks to a goal from Joao Victor (20'). However, the game ended in a 3-1 defeat and is the third pointless match for VfL in succession. "This match partly reflected their season to date: They did not lose at the start, scored a lot of goals and conceded few," said Bosz at the pre-match press conference. "Let's see what they do on Sunday. But it's more important to me what we do – I can influence that."
Trust and confidence, according to the 55-year-old, are always evident even if the results "weren't right". "Of course, the victory against Atletico is a turning point in terms of the result," emphasised the Dutchman who has almost a full squad to choose from two days ahead of the clash in the motor city. The exception is the injured captain Lars Bender. Bosz said: "I don't believe he'll play. But we've still got two days."
An interesting point: Bosz won his first Bundesliga away game with Borussia Dortmund and his first away game with the Werkself at Wolfsburg by a 3-0 margin. Bosz: "Of course, it would be great if that continues on Sunday. But to do that we have to work hard and play well."

In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
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Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
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Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
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