Speaking at the visitors' press conference on Friday afternoon, his opposite number Ralph Hasenhüttl predicted an exciting and heart-fought game at the Leverkusen stadium: "Two really good teams face each other. I would definitely go there as a spectator," said the Leipzig coach. "Both teams are similar in their approach and both have high quality players in attack," added Hasenhüttl - who sat next to Herrlich when the pair were working to earn their coaching licences in 2005.
For Herrlich it is not just an encounter with one of the strongest rivals in the league. "We don't need to beat about the bush: Leipzig are there where we want to be. The game is a chance for the club and the team to show we want to get back there," explained the 45 year-old at the pre-match press conference held at the media centre at the BayArena, broadcast live as usual on bayer04.de and Facebook. "Ideally we'll take all three points tomorrow and that would represent a big step forwards for us."
In all probability, that will come down to the Werkself pros taking a decisive approach to the game. "Leipzig are very strong at counter pressing when they lose possession. You have to be able to deal with that. When we have the ball we definitely won't have much time to think about where we're going to play it. We have to make quick decisions. and that's exactly what we've tried to learn in the past two weeks," said Herrlich.
Ahead of this crunch encounter, the Bayer 04 head coach is happy the personnel situation at the Werkself has improved in the past few days. Jonathan Tah (back) and Benny Henrichs (viral infection) were able to rejoin full training at the start of the week. Leon Bailey and Wendell have both recovered from colds.
This game comes too early for Sven Bender who made a surprising return to the training ground on Wednesday just eleven days after his double rib fracture in the Augsburg match. "Sven Bender definitely wanted to try it out in training yesterday but in the end he had almost unbearable pains," explained Herrlich. "So it doesn't make sense as the risk is too big for us. We'll see if we can get it sorted by next week. But only if we don't disrupt the healing process again." At the same time, he focused on other players: "Of course, Sven Bender is special and he is the absolute boss in defence. But we have a very good squad and enough quality players who can fill in. And that's what we'll do." In terms of names or further details he didn't want "to give too much away."
Bayer 04 are expecting a capacity crowd at the BayArena for the clash with the team in second place – and around 1,200 fans are expected from Leipzig
Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
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