Simon Rolfes, what’s your assessment of the Werkself display at AS Roma on Thursday night and how do you see the situation in the Europa League semi-final after the 1-0 defeat to the team under José Mourinho?
Rolfes: We definitely suffered an unnecessary defeat. Our performance was really good at the start, very structured, full of pressing. If we had at least taken one of our two best chances then the game would definitely have been different. Roma would have had to open up and allow space for our fast transition play. It turned into a battle of attrition where the defences were on top. Now we are 1-0 down at half-time. Anything is still possible. We are definitely in a position to beat AS Roma with our fans behind us at the BayArena.
What was the atmosphere like in front of 60,000 spectators at the Stadio Olimpico?
Rolfes: A brilliant, exceptionally atmospheric experience, you have to say. There was a fascinating atmosphere for large stretches of the game which was down in a large part to our supporters. We had almost 3,000 fans there, in great spirits, almost all dressed in red – that was fantastic. We are very grateful for the support from our fans and there will be more than 2,000 in Stuttgart tomorrow. There’s been great support for the whole season, also in the difficult times. And in recent weeks we have again developed a special energy, an incredibly intense connection between fans and the team. We hope we can take this energy from the stands into the coming difficult games. Everybody will give their all, I’m sure of that.
Unfortunately, there was a problem with things being thrown at the Leverkusen section…
Rolfes: Nobody wants to see that. It’s a pity and an issue to sort out together with UEFA. I hope at least some of those who attacked our people can be discovered and taken to task.
Bayer 04 now go into the run-in without Robert Andrich, Odilon Kossounou and Karim Bellarabi. How much does that hurt?
Rolfes: The injuries obviously hurt us. I’m sorry for the players and we all hope they can quickly recover. But we have to live with that. You have to accept that, look after all the others, be focused and professional, recover well and look forwards. Now it’s about really coming together and showing a genuine team spirit. everybody counts at this moment, players, coaches, staff. We are in a very exciting phase and have – when you think where we’ve come from – a lot to win!
Is the role of the coach even more important now?
Rolfes: Xabi Alonso has huge experience in football, he knows everything. That’s an advantage. He conveys calm and confidence, creates trust. We have a good squad who we believe are capable everything. we want to and will treat every game like a final, full of anticipation and with passion and maximum commitment.
The Werkself could have five games up to the end of May with the highlight of the Europa League final in Budapest…
Rolfes: That’s the target and achieving that will reward us all. But step-by-step – Stuttgart will be difficult tomorrow and an important test. VfB are fighting against relegation with everything they have and they will push as all the way. Only after that can we concentrate on Roma again.
The next fixture dates for the Werkself in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga have been finalised - and Bayer 04 will play on the same day of the week four times in a row. The German Football Association (DFB) announced the fixtures for matchdays 5 to 10 on Thursday afternoon.
Show moreEintracht Frankfurt have made a perfect start to the season: The 5-0 victory in the first round of the DFB Pokal at Oberliga club FV Engers 07 was followed by two impressive wins in the Bundesliga against Werder Bremen (4-1) and TSG Hoffenheim (3-1). This Friday, 12 September (kick-off: 20:30 CEST/live on Sky and WOW), the team from Frankfurt visit the BayArena. Not exactly their favourite venue. After all, the last time Eintracht scored in Leverkusen was over ten years ago. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreNew Bayer 04 head coach Kasper Hjulmand led his first training session in Leverkusen on Wednesday afternoon starting intensive preparations with the Werkself for the Bundesliga home clash against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday night, 12 September (kick-off: 20.30 CEST). A large number of players were back from international duty and a new summer signing joined his new teammates on the training ground for the first time...
Show moreKasper Hjulmand was officially introduced as the new head coach of the Werkself on Wednesday morning. In the packed press conference room at the BayArena, the 53-year-old Dane spoke about his anticipation of working with the Werkself and why the job appeals to him so much. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also spoke about the reasons behind Hjulmand's appointment and their similar views and beliefs.
Show moreFor many young people, football is an important part of their lives, it inspires and offers a sense of identification. Players are role models and the clubs embody social commitment. The state government of North Rhine-Westphalia and the state's Bundesliga football clubs, including Bayer 04, are using this appeal to inform young people about career guidance programmes and to create offers that give them guidance and also support them in making a smooth transition from school education to practical training. After a successful first year, the commitment is now continuing - among other things with joint online and offline communication under the umbrella brand "Heimspiel Zukunft".
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