Back
8.04.2026Bayer 04

‘Keep the pressure on our rivals’: Schick wants UCL qualification

In his personal assessment of the past few days, Patrik Schick was decidedly modest when he spoke of a "nice week". The striker certainly had reason to be cheerful: Firstly, he secured his World Cup ticket with Czechia in spectacular fashion thanks to two victories on penalties, before securing an important home win with the Werkself against VfL Wolfsburg - and on top of that, clocking up two remarkable individual stats.
Patrik Schick

Speaking to the media Patrik Schick talked about…

qualification for the World Cup finals: After the win against Ireland, we weren't necessarily the favourites against Denmark - the have great quality. We also had difficult moments in both games. But I always believed we could do it. And in the end, we came through. The jubilation and the emotions were incredible.

Patrik Schick bejubelt mit Tschechien die WM-Teilnahme

...the 6-3 win against Vfl Wolfsburg after trailing by two goals: " The comeback in this game was very important. Just like the week before at Heidenheim, we realised we had to give 100 percent for 90 minutes. This time it was enough for the win, but we have to show those levels over entire games. I hope and firmly believe the performance in the second half against Wolfsburg will also help us next Saturday in Dortmund.

...his personal record of having scored against all 25 clubs he has faced in the Bundesliga after his goal against Wolfsburg: Finally. (He laughs) I've been waiting a long time for that (previously played six games against Wolfsburg without scoring, ed.). Somehow it never worked out, so it's even better now. HSV, who I've never played against before, are another one for me this season.

...his 100 goals in Europe's top 5 leagues since last weekend, the first Czech ever to achieve that feat (86 in the Bundesliga, 14 in Serie A): Of course, that's a nice number and record. I would never have dared to dream of something like that as a child. But I could have achieved it earlier without one or two injuries. I'm very happy about it and look forward to scoring many more goals.

We want to make it - we have the quality to do soPatrik Schick on the race for the Champions League places

...the battle for the Champions League places, currently four points behind with six games to go: " Of course, it hurts a bit when we see where we've dropped points. But everything’s still possible, especially as we still have to play direct rivals like Leipzig and Stuttgart. We want to make it - we have the quality to do so. It's crucial we put our mistakes behind us and show the same hunger and determination as we did in the second half against Wolfsburg.

...the pursuing role Bayer 04 currently have in the race for UCL qualification: " Chasing the other teams can also be an advantage. We want to put them under more and more pressure on every matchday. Our aim is to play in the Champions League again next season and to give our fans those special nights.

Related News

Die Werkself bejubelt das 2:0 in Wiesbaden
DFB-Pokal - 22.08.2026

4–0 in Wiesbaden – Werkself through to DFB Pokal second round

Bayer 04 have comfortably reached the DFB Pokal second round thanks to a 4–0 victory away to Liga 3 side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Patrik Schick put the Werkself ahead in the first 45 in the first competitive match under head coach Carles Martínez with debuts for new signings Miguel Gutiérrez, Afonso Moreira and Facundo Medina. After the break, Lucas Vázquez (47'), Nathan Tella (69') and Christian Kofane (79') also found the back of the net.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #SVWWB04
DFB-Pokal - 22.08.2026

Matchday news: Season kicks off in DFB Pokal

Today brings the first match of the season for the Werkself. Bayer 04 kick off the 2026/27 campaign today, Saturday 22 August, at 13:00 CEST with a first-round DFB Pokal tie away to third-tier side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The 3,700 travelling fans can not only look forward to what will hopefully be a successful start to the season, but also now organise their journeys to Black and Reds games even more easily via the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Meanwhile, following two defeats at the start of the league season, SV Wehen are hoping to spring a surprise in the DFB Pokal tie. Today’s matchday news.

Show more
Carolin Simon
Women - 21.08.2026

Women: Carolin Simon appointed as new captain

Carolin Simon is the new captain of the Bayer 04 women’s team. The full-back, who joined from Bayern Munich in the summer, will take over the captain’s armband for the 2026/27 season. Simon returned to Leverkusen in the summer after ten years away. The 33-year-old succeeds goalkeeper Friederike Repohl, who retired at the end of last season.

Show more
Die Trikots von Lucas Vázquez und Afonso Moreira
Bayer 04 - 21.08.2026

Squad numbers: Moreira number 9 – Vázquez now number 17

With the 2026/27 season set to kick off with a DFB Pokal tie away to SV Wehen Wiesbaden (Saturday, 22 August, 13:00 CEST), the squad numbers for two Werkself players have now been confirmed. New signing Afonso Moreira will wear the number 9, which he has already worn in pre-season friendlies. Lucas Vázquez is switching from number 21 to number 17 – the number he wore successfully at Real Madrid for many years.

Show more