"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.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
Show more
Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
Show more
