"And now they can help us four times," he said at today's pre-match press conference looking to the four successive home games against Werder Bremen, Paderborn in the DFB Cup (Tuesday 29 November, 20.45 CET), Borussia Mönchengladbach (Saturday 2 November, 15.30 CET) and in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid (Wednesday 6 November, 21.00 CET).
Ahead of the run of home games, the head coach has to deal with an unusual stat before the floodlit match: His otherwise prolific team have failed to score in the last two games. "As in the Frankfurt game, it can happen that you run out of luck or concentration. But it's worse when you don't create any goalscoring opportunities as was the case against Atletico. That makes it more difficult for me as the coach," said Bosz. "In my experience, it can happen in a season with 34 fixtures that you don't score as often in two or three games. But that can change in a flash. And that's exactly what we're talking about and working on with the players."
Sven Bender and the ill Kai Havertz missed full training after the Champions League match in Madrid. Bender had to be substituted on 90 minutes due to an ankle problem. "It's difficult to say whether they can play tomorrow. I'll have to wait and see what happens in today's training session," said Bosz. Definite absentees are Charles Aránguiz and Wendell who did return for individual sessions on the training ground. The head coach finds it difficult to provide a prediction particularly with the Chilean: "It's always difficult with a break. He has to be free of pain. Of course, we hope he returns very soon."
Werder Bremen also have personnel problems following a run of injuries at the beginning of the campaign. Nevertheless, Bremen play "good football. Since Kohfeldt has taken over the team you can see his influence. He hasn't been a head coach for very long but he's doing his job very well," praised Bosz. Werder's recent record confirms that. Although they have not won in four Bundesliga games, they have done well on the road and are unbeaten in the last three matches (one win, two draws). The Werkself have done even better at home going the last seven Bundesliga games unbeaten (four wins, three draws). There is only one hurdle for the Black and Reds to overcome: The bad luck of the top match. The Werkself have lost all four of the last 04 top matches. At the same time, Bremen's recent record in Saturday night matches is anything but positive: The Kohfeldt team have lost in the last six games on a Saturday night.
Match info:
Referee: Martin Petersen (Stuttgart)
Live TV broadcaster: Sky
Matchday hashtag: #B04SVW
Tickets are still available. Ticket offices are open from 13.30 CET.
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreA new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreThe Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
Show moreBosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
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