Heiko Herrlich said it was a “neck and neck” race between Ramazan Özcan and Thorsten Kirschbaum to be in the starting eleven for the opening match of the season. in the end, the head coach opted for the more experienced Austrian who has already played 173 competitive matches in the top two divisions in Germany. “Rambo will play from the start.”
It remains to be seen whether the same will apply to Leon Bailey. The Jamaican did take part as planned in full training today (Tuesday, 14 August). In addition to Bailey, Karim Bellarabi returned just two weeks after suffering a knee injury at the summer training camp. However, Herrlich is very keen to treat the number 38 with kid gloves. “We shouldn’t take the third step before the second. Karim had less problems turning than we thought today.” Herrlich did not reveal whether there was enough progress for a place in the side at Pforzheim.
The Cup tie definitely comes too soon for Charles Aránguiz who is at the moment making good progress in terms of returning to full training. As part of the follow-up, the medical section carried out an MRI scan that confirmed the findings of an ultrasound examination. The Chilean has a problem around his Achilles, which originates from issues with his patella tendon.
According to Herrlich, Aránguiz has recently worked very well with fitness coach Daniel Jouvin but the boss is keen to downplay expectations from the fans. There will have to be day-to-day progress before our number 20 joins his team-mates on the training ground.
While the first team worked hard on the training ground on Tuesday morning and afternoon, there was a lot going on in the mixed zone and the underground car park. This evening, the club has invited its sponsors to the annual season launch event. This year there are a lot of club anniversaries to celebrate. Against the background of 40 years in the Bundesliga, 30 years since winning the UEFA Cup and 25 years since lifting the DFB Cup, the guests plus the team and coaching staff will immerse themselves in the history of Bayer 04.
With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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Together with his family, friends and close associates, Bayer 04 Leverkusen bid farewell to Peter Hermann. The club’s long-serving assistant manager passed away on 19 September following a serious illness. Today, Thursday 8 October, Bayer 04 held an event attended by around 200 invited guests to commemorate Peter Hermann’s legacy. Representatives from the DFB and the other professional clubs where Hermann worked paid their respects to him at the BayArena.
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