Back
16.10.2017Bundesliga

What the papers say: 'The final touch is missing'

Bayer 04 are unbeaten in three games following the 2-2 draw against VfL Wolfsburg. However, pleasure from that perspective has its limits. Not just because Heiko Herrlich's team missed the chance of third home win in succession against the Wolves. In the eyes of the media, a better result was on the cards against the team from Lower Saxony. What the papers say:
Tah_Zweikampf.jpg

"Leverkusen carelessly spurn victory against Wolfsburg. In spite of superiority and lots of good chances, Bayer 04 were only able to draw 2-2," wrote the Sunday edition of the Berliner Zeitung. According to the media, the Werkself alone are responsible for twice giving away the lead following goals from skipper Lars Bender (29') and Lucas Alario (61'). According to the Kölner Stadt Anzeiger, "Bayer 04 dropped two points in an entertaining match full of spectacular moments that ended in an avoidable 2-2 draw."

"Effort and rewards out of step"

 The press do see the Werkself as the dominant team for much of the game – particularly in the first half. "Once again, his (Heiko Herrlich's, ed.) team put in a great shift – but that wasn't enough to clock up a home win," declared the Bild Zeitung. The Westdeutsche Zeitung adopts a similar position, "effort and rewards out of step again for the Werkself."

 The sports magazine Kicker looks back at the performances in the last seven games of the season in its match assessment: "Bayer's pros look like the unfinished article. The final touch to complete the masterpiece is missing. Not for the first time this season. And it wasn't just against Hoffenheim that Bayer 04 failed to win in a game they completely dominated. It was the same in Mainz where a 1-0 lead turned into a 3-1 defeat. And now against Wolfsburg. The careless approach to their own chances is one thing but the way Bayer revitalise their opponents is another." The report continues: "If it was down to just two criteria then everything would be fine at Bayer 04. Most of the performances are satisfactory or good. The Werkself are more dangerous in front of goal compared with last season. The problem is that the results don't match.”

Related News

Burak Kir und Clinton Wilson beim Packen
Sustainability - 09.09.2026

‘Real role models’ show solidarity – BioBrotbox campaign with Bayer 04

Just in time for the start of the school year, everyone was hard at work again at NaturGut Ophoven. For the 21st time, Bayer 04 have supported the annual ‘BioBrotbox’ campaign, which puts together a healthy breakfast for first-year primary school pupils in Leverkusen – and not only contributed 1,904 muesli bars but also plenty of enthusiasm too: Together with the U19 players Burak Kir and Clinton Wilson, Emily Wallrabenstein and Paulina Platner from the Women’s Bundesliga team helped with the packing. The latter was clearly delighted “that Bayer 04 are helping out with regional projects like this and showing their commitment to the local community”.

Show more
Gruppenfoto
Football Academy - 07.09.2026

Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visits Leverkusen

A group of about 50 members of the Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo visited Leverkusen over the past few days, accompanied by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sergio and Luiz Felipe (managing director of academy in São Paulo) for a week full of football, encounters and very special insights. In addition to the Bundesliga away game in Elversberg and the home game against Union Berlin, the visit also featured a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy in Leverkusen and a tour of the Bayer AG facilities. The guests also gained special insights into the club and the world of Bayer 04.

Show more
Equi Fernández
Business - 07.09.2026

Fashion and style for the Werkself: LERROS remains Bayer 04's official outfitter

The men's clothing retailer LERROS will remain the official fashion and premium partner of Bayer 04 for the current season. As in the past, LERROS will provide the club's men's team, coaching staff and management with high-quality clothing for international trips.

Show more
Moussa Diaby nach Abpfiff
Bayer 04 - 05.09.2026

Diaby homecoming caps off big win at the BayArena

“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.

Show more