There is not a lot of time to enjoy the derby victory. Just three days after the 3-0 win against the Rhine neighbours, Tuesday night, 20 April (kick-off: 20.30 CEST) brings the clash with the treble winners from Munich. FC Bayern won their Bundesliga match at the weekend too in a 3-2 victory against VfL Wolfsburg. An important step for FCB on the way to the title. However, there is no talk of euphoria or anticipation in the Bavarian state capital at the moment. The reason: Head coach Hansi Flick declared his desire after the match at Wolfsburg to leave FC Bayern in the summer of 2021 in spite of his current contract.
Hannes Wolf is certain the situation "will not influence the team on the pitch." He continued: "That doesn't make them any more susceptible. We are therefore expecting them to be strong and focused as usual," he declared on Monday. "So we need another top performance. We have to defend well and use our pace on the pitch. It's time to give our all."
The praise in the media after the derby win on Saturday primarily went to Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby. The lightning fast attacking duo scored all three goals against FC Köln. Head coach Hannes Wolf is obviously happy for and with his successful players but he highlighted the team performance. The 39-year-old: "It doesn't matter to me who gets the glory for scoring the goals in the end. The main thing is we score." The basis for winning involves every individual player working for the full 90 minutes and having the right mentality.
Long-term injured players Santiago Arias, Julian Baumgartlinger and Timothy Fosu-Mensah are sidelined for #FCBB04 as are Lars Bender and Paulinho. As all the other players are fit, probably including Florian Wirtz as an option, Hannes Wolf is now spoilt for choice – both in terms of his starting eleven as well as places in the squad.
Winter signing Demarai Gray has not yet played under Hannes Wolf. "Is it fair that Demi hasn't played yet? Probably not. But we have so many good players that we have to make a decision at a certain point," said Wolf. Grey, but also players like Aleksandar Dragovic and Mitchell Weiser can stake a claim on the training ground. Above all after the busy run of fixtures with 14 days to prepare for the away game at Werder Bremen. "Then we can reshuffle the pack."
Hannes Wolf continues to rely on the strength of his whole squad to ensure qualification for Europe. The head coach: "There are just five games left and we need points. We have to give our all tomorrow night 100%. Playing against FC Bayern gives you an extra boost and you're ready to go beyond the limits."
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werks11 Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game

In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
Show more
Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
Show more
After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
Show more
Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
Show more
Due to the last-minute postponement of the Bundesliga match between Hamburg and the Werkself on Tuesday, 13 January, Bayer 04 will reimburse the ticket price to all 3,500 fans who had already travelled to Hamburg as a sign of appreciation. The tickets remain valid for the rescheduled match (date not yet set).
Show more