The team under head coach Peter Bosz have set a record thanks to the 4-0 win against Slavia Prague on Thursday night: The 21 goals scored is the highest number by a German club in the group stages of the Europa League. Next opponents in the Bundesliga from Hoffenheim also sailed through the group stage of the competition. TSG picked up 16 out of a possible 18 points with a goal difference of 17 for and 2 against – the second best group stage for a German club in the history of the Europa League.
The team led by coach Sebastian Hoeneß clocked up a 4-1 victory over KAA Gent. "I watched the game. But I think they'll have other players on the pitch against us," said Bosz on Friday ahead of the clash with the team currently lying tenth in the league. "Either way, we are prepared to face a team who will make life difficult for us."
Following the successful conclusion to the Europa League group stage, there were a small number of players on the training ground for the Friday session. The majority of the squad were recovering in the facilities at the BayArena. Lucas Alario and Mitchell Weiser are back in training. "If they train tomorrow then they could be an option for the squad," Bosz explained.
After three double fixture weeks in succession, there are now three matches within six days before the start of the short winter break. Bosz: "The match rhythm is tiring but the players are fresh. That was shown in the stats from yesterday: We ran a lot, sprinted a lot. That's one of our strengths. Therefore, we have to try to control the workload."
Eight wins and a draw: The return from the latest games is impressive – as is the Bundesliga table. The Werkself are currently second, one point behind Bayern Munich. In spite of the run of wins, Bosz does not have to put his foot down. "The players don't need me to avoid being euphoric – they do that by themselves," said the 56-year-old. "We know things can turn around very quickly. We are calm, doing our work and continue to be critical of ourselves." This approach appears to be producing results at the moment…
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werks11 Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended Abdoulaye Faye’s contract by a further year to 30 June 2031. During the 2026/27 season, the talented defender will play for Celta Vigo on loan without an option to buy. The 21-year-old Senegalese is set to feature in La Liga and the UEFA Europa League with last season’s sixth-placed side in Spain.
Show more
The Werkself's training camp in Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog you'll find all the insights and updates from the day. The programme on day one (Sunday 2 August) includes a media round with managing director sport Simon Rolfes, free time for the team after the friendly against Rot-Weiss Essen and before an intensive week of training begins, as well as a coffee get-together where CEO Fernando Carro and Rolfes met around 100 fans in the afternoon.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.
Show more
A warm welcome to the Weimarer Land, Bayer 04! The Werkself moved into their accommodation for this year’s training camp on Saturday evening. In Blankenhain, Thuringia, head coach Carles Martínez’s team have a programme of gruelling training sessions – several of which will be open to fans – and team-building activities lined up for the next six days. We’ll be following the Werkself up close and providing you with exclusive insights, quotes, photos and videos from the training camp.
Show more
With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.
Show more
