...the last two league games against Wolfsburg (1-4) and Freiburg (1-0): We produced a focussed performance in Freiburg. You can’t ignore how well and with intensity Wolfsburg and Freiburg defend. Every team finds it hard going against those two sides. In addition, it’s now well known that our tempo in attack can be very dangerous. That has led to opponents not allowing us as much space to play on the break. We still have five games to go where we’ll find other means and ways and we’ll have to see what weapons we can use for each game.
...the next opponents FC Bayern: They always have a lot more possession than their opponents and are good at pressing and counter-pressing under Hansi Flick. They are aggressive and are quick to opponents under pressure. You can see that from watching them and the stats show it as well. We’ll face a team on Saturday who will be up for the game, very intensive in challenges and will want to win the ball high up the pitch. We had a similar sort of game in Munich. And, nevertheless, there was space and we found it. We want to do the same at the weekend.
...the tight race in the Bundesliga for a Champions League finish: The high standard of the top five is impressive. There are few slip-ups. There are still five games to play and some very important games coming up in quick succession.
…the messages from the Bundesliga players Jadon Sancho, Weston McKennie, Marcus Thuram and Anthony Modeste at the weekend following the death of the African American George Floyd in the USA: I think the messages sent from the Bundesliga so far have mainly been positive and very commendable. For example, if I think of Wendell, who also has religious messages on his undershirt, then they are primarily encouraging and decent messages. It’s about solidarity and humanity. In the specific case of a negative or questionable message, the club or association can intervene.
…the recent restart of league fixtures in his home country Austria: I’m very happy for them. They have matches coming up in the next few weeks – similar to the third division in Germany. But the whole country has been waiting a long time for the comeback and the lockdown was very tough. Therefore, the players are now happy and are looking forward to playing again. The infrastructure and the health system in Austria are comparable with those in Germany.
Following the press conference, Baumgartlinger made himself available to Bayer 04 TV for an interview. Click HERE for the video.
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 moreSeveral Bayer 04 Legends, Bayer executives, club officials, current defender Arthur and, of course, dozens of enthusiastic children turned out on Saturday on the south side of Sao Paulo for the official opening of the Bayer 04 Football Academy, located at Club Bayer on the campus of Bayer Brazil.
Show moreA great night for 'Calle': Bayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser helped Germany to an opening win in the Women's Euro in Switzerland with an impressive performance. After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Poland in Group C, the winger provided an assist and helped set up the second goal. The 21-year-old earned great praise from her coach and teammates in her first tournament match.
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