…the playing staff: Following the departure of Kai (Havertz, ed.) and Kevin (Volland, ed.) signing Patrik (Schick, ed.) was an important transfer deal for us. He’s a versatile player who can play up front on his own – and with a partner – as well as in the hole. He fits in really well with the way we play. On top of that, we have lots of other players in our squad who are versatile in attacking positions.
…expectations of the team: And I wouldn’t just focus on new players but also on those who are here. Perhaps the changed structure gives many of them a chance to grow into a role. We expect one or the other who are already here to take the next step in their development this season – and I think they can do it.
…other potential new signings: Of course, we’ll see how far we can strengthen the squad. I’m not ruling anything out. But we’re not specifically looking at a position or a particular player. We won’t go mad but instead always act sensibly.
…possible departures: You can’t rule anything out in football. Rumours are normal in a transfer window and always a sign that are players attractive and have a value. At the end of a day, we are a club that has to sell players if we get the right offers.
…Jonathan Tah: He’s a player with the potential to keep improving. I believe he is capable of using the qualities he has, be that his presence in challenges or his pace. That will give our game even more quality.
…the return of fans: There’s huge relief we can finally play in front of spectators again. They provide that special atmosphere in stadiums. I think all the clubs are very well prepared. It’s right to begin with a certain number (20 per cent of the capacity, ed.) to be able to improve processes. It’s a step towards normality.
…the Bundesliga opener: The start of the season is not easy without a proper pre-season. Despite that, a team can grow together. In addition, we don’t have any new signings other than Lennart Grill and Patrik Schick up to now. To that extent, all the players know each other and have taken in the way we play. I expect the players to quickly form a team – and take on the difficult circumstances as a challenge. Then I’ll be optimistic that we can make a good start to the season.


The meeting between fifth and sixth on Saturday afternoon (17 January, 15:30 CET) is a hard one to predict. While the Werkself can take confidence from their historic record at TSG Hoffenheim, the hosts are currently enjoying their second-best Bundesliga campaign and have lost just one of their last 10 games. Another good omen for Bayer 04: Daniel Schlager also refereed Leverkusen's last victory in Sinsheim (4-1). The Matchday News.
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At the end of the winter training camp in Portugal, the Bayer 04 Women convincingly mastered their friendly ahead of the start of the second half of the season. In the match against Swiss league leaders Servette FCCF, coach Roberto Pätzold's team won 3-0 at the Monte Gordo Sports Complex. Carlotta Wamser (4’), Vanessa Fudalla (18’) and Loreen Bender (53’) scored for Bayer 04, who have been preparing for the Rückrunde in the Algarve since last Saturday.
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The German Football League (DFL) has rescheduled the postponed fixture at Hamburger SV on Bundesliga matchday 17. The match, due to be played on Tuesday, has now been rescheduled for Wednesday, 4 March (kick-off: 20:30 CET).
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The Rückrunde is about to begin: The Werkself travel to TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday, 17 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET) on Bundesliga matchday 18. At the pre-match press conference on Friday lunchtime, head coach Kasper Hjulmand emphasised the double anticipation for the clash following Tuesday's postponement of the fixture at Hamburger SV. And he also talked about the tactical approach against an opponent on course for Champions League qualification.
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TSG Hoffenheim have had a tremendous season so far and are in absolute top form going into the new year. After another outstanding display against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Wednesday, TSG went above Bayer 04 in the table. On Saturday, 17 January (kick-off: 15:30 CET), coach Christian Ilzer's team will be looking to continue their run in the league against the Werkself. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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