Back
21.08.2022Bundesliga

Werkself review #B04TSG: Stick together

The Werkself had to concede defeat to TSG Hoffenheim in a 3-0 reverse on matchday three. A deserved victory for TSG as head coach Gerardo Seoane admitted after the game, captain Lukas Hradecky and Robert Andrich looked to engage fans in the home end after the final whistle. This and more on yesterday's home game in the Werkself review…
crop_20220820_NB_B04_gegen_Hoffenheim_46534.jpg

Summary: Early goal conceded again

A goal with a back-heel, another in the corner of the net: The visitors from the Kraichgau proved to be creative and determined in front of the Werkself goal. Christoph Baumgartner scored the opener with a back-heel on nine minutes, Andrej Kramaric netted with a header from a yard out before half-time (35'), and a third goal for TSG from the Robert Skov was chalked off after a foul in the build-up thanks to the intervention VAR. Gerardo Seoane made two substitutions for the start of the second half – but the Werkself were unable to find the back of the net yesterday afternoon. The final result of 3-0 came with Georginio Rutter firing a shot into the far corner of the net in the closing stages (78').


crop_20220820_NB_B04_gegen_Hoffenheim_46475.jpg

Reaction: "Everybody has to accept responsibility"

Head coach Gerardo Seoane classified the result as "deserved". The team did not perform to their ability. The Swiss coach primarily saw the reasons for defeat in defence: "We gave the opponents too many chances and were unable to stop them because we weren't strong enough in challenges."

Keeper Lukas Hradecky was disappointed talking to Werkself TV: "We're not bringing our quality onto the pitch at the moment." The number one also named a lack of aggression is one of the factors: "At the moment, that gets punished. Now everybody has to accept responsibility and help out. That will be our challenge."

Personnel: Constructive exchange

Lukas Hradecky returned in goal after serving a one-match ban and Robert Andrich was in the starting eleven on his return to the squad. The two leading players went to the North Stand after the final whistle to speak to the Black and Red fans. Afterwards there were chants of "Leverkusen! Leverkusen!" from the stands. A powerful sign.

crop_20220819_JS_B04_TSG_1881.jpg

Stats: More possession, less return

The Werkself had a total of 14 shots on goal and Hoffenheim had four less. Both teams had 50 per cent in challenges won with Robert Andrich and Co. having the upper hand with 55 per cent of tackles made.

What the papers say: "Sadness"

The Rheinische Post pointed out an historical fact: "The Champions League participants have lost the first four games of the season for the first time since promotion to the Bundesliga in 1978." The Berliner Morgenpost headline reads, "Sheer sadness rules at Bayer after false start."

Outlook: League double before Champions League

After the last two home games, the Werkself are away to Mainz 05 on Saturday 27 August (kick-off: 15.30 CEST). That is followed at the start of September with the home game against SC Freiburg a few days before the first group match in the UEFA Champions League.

 

Related News

Talent House
Bayer 04 - 19.05.2026

A home for young elite athletes: The Talent House in Leverkusen

Bayer 04 will be preparing young talents for a potential sporting career in an even more systematic way in future. The club is breaking new ground to help develop their academic, social and personal skills as well. With the ‘Haus der Talente' or 'Talent House’, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH is creating a new centre for the development of young athletes in a central location in Leverkusen. Once completed – expected to be in the summer of 2027 – the project will be run in partnership with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen e.V.

Show more
Frauen beenden Saison nach Niederlage gegen Bremen auf Platz fünf | 26. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 17.05.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen on the 26th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more
Niederlage zum Saisonabschluss für die Werkself
Women - 17.05.2026

Bayer 04 Women finish season in fifth after defeat to Bremen

Bayer 04 Women have finished in fifth place after the best Bundesliga season in the club's history in terms of points. Roberto Pätzold's side went down 3-1 at home to SV Werder Bremen on the final matchday. With 46 points and 15 wins, they've bettered the previous record campaign of 2024/25. Despite periods of pressure, Cornelia Kramer's 73rd-minute strike was not enough at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, and the Werkself miss out on European qualification despite a strong end to the season.

Show more
Sofie Zdebel and Achim Feifel
Women - 17.05.2026

Bayer 04 agree contract extension with U23 international Sofie Zdebel ahead of schedule

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed a conract extension with home-grown talent Sofie Zdebel by a further year ahead of schedule. The 21-year-old Germany U23 international will stay at the club until 30 June 2028.

Show more