The team in third place have a two-point lead over the Black and Reds, currently lying fifth in the table with 50 points. “We can take an important step forward tomorrow and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” declared head coach Peter Bosz at today’s virtual press conference. As with the 4-1 away win at Werder Bremen, the Dutchman has to make do without his captain Lars Bender (foot injury) in Mönchengladbach.
Striker Kevin Volland returned to training for the first time this week after his ankle ligament injury. But tomorrow’s game has come too early for him,” said Bosz. “We’ll have to wait and see when he can get back.” All the other players are available.
Werkself head coach Bosz said Mönchengladbach have, up to now, had an “impressive season. They’re a good team.” However, the 56-year-old is banking on his team’s strengths against the in-form side under coach Marco Rose. Bosz added: “We’re up for it. We were before the coronavirus pandemic and we are now. We were good against Bremen and our positional play was better in the second half.”
In preparation for tomorrow’s clash, the Bayer 04 group underwent the obligatory coronavirus tests this morning and a training session is on the agenda this afternoon. The players, coaches and staff will then return to the Leverkusen team hotel.
Kai Havertz, the scorer of two goals at Werder Bremen, is obviously set to play. After the last game, Bosz talked about the 20-year-old, saying he “didn’t have his best game.” Asked about that statement, the head coach today said: “I always try to get the best out of my players. I know Kai can do better. I always expect the best from my players and if there is room for improvement, then perhaps I’m more critical than journalists. If you have the quality that Kai has then you shouldn’t be easily satisfied – neither him nor me as the coach.”
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will be announced on the day of the match
Bayer 04 are riding a wave of success on the European stage: After three wins from their first three games and as the only team yet to concede a goal, the Werkself sit second in the table in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. With another three points in their first-ever competitive match against Olympique Marseille on Thursday night, 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Bayer 04 could leap to the top of the table. Meanwhile, the French side are riding the wave of a winning streak in Ligue 1, but are yet to pick up any points in the Europa League. For one Werkself player, Thursday night will mark a reunion with his former team-mates. Today’s matchday news.
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The Europa League campaign continues: Bayer 04 host Olympique Marseille at the BayArena on matchday four of the group stage on Thursday 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Ahead of the clash against the club from the French Mediterranean coast, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the visitors’ form and had some good news regarding the squad. Former OM player Facundo Medina spoke, amongst other things, about the factors that will be crucial against his old club.
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The Bayer 04 Round of 16 tie in the 2026/27 DFB Pokal has been scheduled. The Werkself will host Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig on Wednesday, 2 December, at 18:00 CET. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB).
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Video game developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award for October 2026 – and Bayer 04’s Ibrahim Maza is among them. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 8 November (23:59 CET).
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