At the press conference, Schmidt described Saturday's opponents VfL Wolfsburg as "a good team in the Bundesliga capable of qualifying for Europe. At the start of the season I thought they'd be up at the top straightaway. But that can happen in football: They didn't get off to a good start but after the change of coaches they will stand together in the home game. It's never easy at Wolfsburg. For us to win we have to show what we can do and play our game."
To achieve that, the Werkself will have to rediscover their strengths, play on the front foot and be focused in defence. "We are at our best when we play our game in a solid and intensive way. We'll do that tomorrow," announced Schmidt. The coach will not be on the bench due to his touchline ban. "I will definitely be in the stadium. I don't know exactly where as yet. Rudi Völler and Klaus Allofs are looking to find a solution."
Schmidt can perform his normal pre-match duties until just before the kick-off at 15.30 CET and the boss is keen to be as diligent as ever: "It's my job as coach to do my duty and help the team. In the 24 hours left I will prepare the team as best I can for the match. Then we’ll have a good chance of winning tomorrow's important game."
Schmidt said it remains to be seen whether key players Lars Bender and Ömer Toprak will be fit for the away game at the sixteenth-placed team: "It's not looking good and tending towards the negative at the moment. Lars Bender and Ömer Toprak have not trained with the team. Kevin Volland is suspended. Otherwise, everybody else is available."
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreA great night for 'Calle': Bayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser helped Germany to an opening win in the Women's Euro in Switzerland with an impressive performance. After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Poland in Group C, the winger provided an assist and helped set up the second goal. The 21-year-old earned great praise from her coach and teammates in her first tournament match.
Show moreA new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreThe Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
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