
…the unusual stadium atmosphere without fans: We had the chance to see it at other games over the weekend. It is different in front of the television compared with the stadium. But we knew more or less what to expect and were well prepared. It was unusual, it felt like you could hear every step. It reminded me of indoor football when I was a teenager.
…the continued run of six Bundesliga games without defeat: We were in an outstanding phase before the suspension of play. Of course, it did us good to be able to get straight back on track in Bremen by winning the game. Physically it was different from the time before the break. I very much felt the strain after two months without playing and without competition. In the short time we've had training together, we have been able to simulate a few things but obviously you don't have the same number of competitive situations as before. For the first game – also under the circumstances – we did well yesterday.
…the fixture list after the restart with four games in 12 days: The phase will be intensive. We'll definitely notice that. But I'm glad about it. As we have the chance of quickly getting back to our original fitness level.
…maintaining distance for goal celebrations: I don't really have to think too much about that as I don't score very often (he laughs). Everything is different at the moment. Everybody is aware of the situation and we try our best. But I can understand if one or two people embrace in spite of that. Football lives from emotions – it's always been like that and it will remain like that over the next few weeks as well.
…depth in the squad and the rule change from three to five substitutions per game and club: We've seen throughout the second half of the season that we've got a fantastic bench and a strong squad. That can pay off over the rest of the season. Everybody is prepared to use their time on the pitch and give their all. That's been our trademark before the suspension. I hope it continues to be the same for the next few weeks.
…Florian Wirtz, who is the youngest Bundesliga debutant at Bayer 04 since yesterday (17 years, 15 days): I feel like it’s is only yesterday when I was on the other side at that age (he laughs). The lads get younger and younger and are already very talented very early on. Flo showed what he could do in the first training sessions. He wasn't fazed at all in the game. A lot of people will have a lot enjoyment from him. He's quickly settled into the team. Now we'll help him take the next steps.
…Saturday's top match at Borussia Mönchengladbach: Gladbach were impressive against Frankfurt. They're very strong this season – but so are we. Two very good teams face each other. If we want to stay in the leading group then we'll have to get a result. That's our target.

Former Bundesliga and Germany keeper Manfred Manglitz, who was promoted to the Oberliga West with Bayer 04 in 1962, passed away on Monday at the age of 86.
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The Werkself fixture list for the 2026/27 season in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga has been finalised. To kick off the season, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team travel to RB Leipzig between 21 and 24 August. The fixtures were announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday morning. The season will conclude with a home match on 23 May 2027 against newly promoted side Mainz 05.
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On Wednesday evening, Monheim City Council voted against a planning resolution for the Bayer 04 Campus on Alfred-Nobel-Straße in Monheim in a secret ballot, with 19 votes in favour, 25 against and one abstention. The legal status of the project therefore remains unchanged.
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The Bundesliga has set the exact dates for the first four matchdays in the 2026/27 league campaign. Here is an overview of the fixtures.
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