The Süddeutsche Zeitung reports: “The experts had high expectations of the Bayer Leverkusen versus Werder Bremen game and the kicker predicted a “goal fest”. That did not happen but there was no disappointment at all as both teams performances reflected their ambitions to qualify for Europe but SV Werder were the only ones celebrating in the end. A goal from Max Kruse in added time settled it for Bremen as they secured a 3-1 win. They had to worry about getting the win as Bayer Leverkusen produced a non-stop power play in the second half after being 2-0 down at the break.”
The FAZ raves about a “great game to watch” … . “The entertainment value of the game was definitely there due to the high tempo and the individual quality - it was a match between two top teams.”
‘Bremen put the brakes on Bayer’, reads the headline of the article in the Kölner Stadt Anzeiger that deals with the absence of Kai Havertz in the starting eleven: “The highly talented youngster was laid low by a bout of gastroenteritis in the run-up to the game. The 19-year-old took part in the final pre-match training session on Saturday but he was not fully fit so the coach Bosz decided to leave him out of the starting eleven. It quickly became clear there was something missing from the Werkself game that normally relies on possession and passing. Bremen’s coach Florian Kohfeldt said he wanted to “hurt” the opponent and that was made even easier. Johannes Eggestein had the first clear-cut chance on four minutes after some good work in the build-up from Max Kruse. And more followed because Bayer 04 lost possession in their build-up play, left space on the wings and were equally careless either going backwards as they were on the edge of the opposition penalty area. It all looked like good football but the nonchalance shown poses a threat to the attacking system favoured by the coach Peter Bosz. In addition, Leverkusen faced a team that did not make any mistakes on the day and also had an outstanding players in their ranks in Max Kruse.”
The Rheinische Post declares: “The moods of the two coaches after the game could not have been more different. While Bremen’s Florian Kohfeldt quickly answered questions on his feet, his Leverkusen opposite number walked through the basement of the BayArena with a solemn look on his face. The Dutchman was clearly annoyed his team’s 3-1 defeat against Werder - and he did not mince his words. ‘Bremen deserved to win. We played really badly in the first half,’ said the 55-year-old with a clarity that is not typical of him. He did not want to devalue the performance of the visitors but he was clear about the failures of his team both with and without the ball. ‘We can’t afford to start another game like that the way we did today. I hope that was the first and the last time that I have to say something like that.’”
The verdict of the Kicker is: “Werder played a great game for 45 minutes. But Leverkusen could have earned a point in the second half.”
The Bild saw “a crazy game” but also a “severe setback for Bayer Leverkusen in the race for Europe.”
Bayer 04 welcomed 14 media representatives from Africa on Friday, 1 December. The trip for journalists from the likes of Burkina Faso, Senegal, Mozambique, Togo, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and Togo was organised by the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL) with the goal of establishing and promoting Africa as a new target market for the Bundesliga.
Show moreBayer 04 has modernised its media working area in the stands at the BayArena and equipped it with new, multifunctional monitors. The 50 screens will be used for the first time for the fixture against Borussia Dortmund on Matchday 13 in the Bundesliga next Sunday, 3 December (kick-off: 17:30 CET) and offer the media representatives working at the BayArena on matchday numerous possibilities.
Show moreBayer 04 have little time to recover from their 2-0 win away at Häcken in the UEFA Europe League, ensuring progress to the round of 16, before their next challenge up against Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Sunday (17:30 CET). At his pre-match press conference on Friday morning, head coach Xabi Alonso spoke about BVB and gave a warning about not losing focus.
Show moreSpirits are high at Borussia Dortmund following their impressive display and result away at AC Milan in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. On Sunday (17:30 CET), they want to keep an impressive week going with another scalp in Leverkusen. Here’s the lowdown on our next opponents.
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