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 mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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Following the summer break, most of the players are back in Leverkusen. While two Bayer 04 first-team players are still in action at the World Cup, the players present officially kicked off the new season with fitness assessments. At the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 rehabilitation and training centre, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba and the rest of the squad worked up quite a sweat in the sweltering summer heat. New signings Afonso Moreira and Kennet Eichhorn also successfully completed the day’s sessions alongside their new team-mates.
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The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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