No snow in Moscow as Werkself land

Coming into land at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport, the Werkself players, staff and guests were treated to a great view of the biggest city in Europe. But there was no time for any sightseeing in the city of 12 million: After the players, officials and some 80 partners led by Werner Wenning, chairman of the shareholders’ committee, plus 25 members of the media had checked into hotel, the pre-match press conference followed at 18.30 local time (16.30 CET). Bayer 04 head coach Peter Bosz and defender Jonathan Tah fielded questions from the journalists present.

Stadium pitch protected

Shortly after that, the players and coaches headed for the final pre-match training session on the pitch at the RZD Arena. Because of the prevailing winter weather – minus five degrees but without snow – Lokomotiv Moscow asked the Werkself not to train on the pitch. Instead, head coach Peter Bosz led his team onto the a neighbouring pitch to spend an hour stretching their legs.

Long-term absentees Kai Havertz, Mitchell Weiser, Daley Sinkgraven and Joel Pohjanpalo did not travel along with the suspended Nadiem Amiri. In contrast to the 1-1 draw against SC Freiburg, Leon Bailey – currently serving a three-match ban in the Bundesliga – returns to the squad. And the recently injured Julian Baumgartlinger was also on the flight to Russia.

Volland returns

The last time the Werkself were in Russia was exactly three years ago: Bayer 04 faced CSKA Moscow in November 2016 with the game ending in a 1-1 draw with Kevin Volland getting on the score sheet. Hopefully, a better result will be achieved tomorrow. An away win is essential if Leverkusen are to remain in Europe after the winter break.

Völler expects ‘tough battle’

Rudi Völler, sporting managing director at Bayer 04, was confident ahead of tomorrow’s game: “Unfortunately, we got off to a bad start in the Champions League. Everything’s in our hands after the win against Atlético.” That requires building on the performance at the weekend and, above all, take the chances. “It will be a tough battle in Moscow – in spite of the freezing conditions. It’s like a final for us as we want to be in Europe after the winter break. We need to have a great game to achieve that,” said the 1990 World Cup winner.

Triple first for Diaby

Moussa Diaby made his first start for Bayer 04 in last Saturday’s game against Freiburg – and the 20-year-old Frenchman also scored his first goal for the club. Apart from the goal, Diaby produced an impressive performance and he also stood out with one or the other individual moves. Reason enough for the kicker sports journal to name the Leverkusen winger in their team of the day. Carry on Moussa!

BayArena lit up orange

The Bayer 04 stadium was lit up in orange on Monday night between 17.00 and 22.00 CET. The reason was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women that has been held every year on 25 November since its introduction in 1999. Bayer 04 also supports the day of action with the symbolic colour of orange.

Black and Red week

And finally, there’s a treat for all Bayer 04 fans: The are great, new deals daily in our Black and Red week from 26 to 30 November. Look in on our fan shop every day to make sure you don’t miss an offer. It kicks off tomorrow with a 25 % discount on all current JAKO shirts.