Völler: 'We’re happy to get started!'

Karim Bellarabi and Wendell have agreed new long-term contracts at Bayer 04.

“We’re happy to finally get started again and we’re particularly happy that we were able to convince Wendell and Karim Bellarabi that it is the right decision to make a long-term commitment to Bayer 04,” said Rudi Völler in opening the press conference broadcast live on bayer04.de.

Ahead of the top match, head coach Roger Schmidt was very optimistic about the prevailing mood in the team: “This a very, very good sign for the club and for our group. We go into this match in very good shape. It will be an exciting game.”

Schmidt sees Gladbach as a very strong opponent: “Like us, they have a have a solid squad that is constantly strengthened.” From a tactical perspective Schmidt is primarily expecting a lot of turnover moments: “Both teams want to use winning possession to hurt the opposition. Gladbach are really very good at that - but so are we. Gladbach have intelligent, quick players up front. We’re prepared for that and we have to be tactically on our guard and react accordingly.”

Chicharito (broken hand), Stefan Kießling (back in full training) and Lars Bender are all ruled out. Julian Brandt could be back. Schmidt: “Julian Brandt is on top form. If he doesn’t say, ‘it’s not on, I’ve hardly slept a wink’ then we’ll take him with us.”

Ticket update
Bayer 04 will have the support of 2,600 fans at Gladbach. The away ticket office (at Borussia Park) still has seats available for Block 7 (€40.50). The office opens on the matchday 2 ½ hours before kick-off.