The wins in the big matches against Bayern Munich and Schalke 04 were followed by a 2-0 defeat against Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday 11 December. The Bayer 04 head coach Peter Bosz does not see that match as a setback. "We played very well and were compact. That must give us confidence for the rest of the games before the winter break – including against FC Köln," said the Dutchman at the pre-match press conference ahead of the derby.
The 56-year-old is well aware this clash is very special for the Werkself fans. Bosz continued ahead of his first Rhine derby against FC Köln: "Of course, I get it that this match is about much more than just three points – you can feel it. Everybody will be talking about it at work in the next few days."
Against Köln, currently bottom the table on eight points, it will be necessary to show a certain aggression on and off the ball. "And we have a team that can play very good football. That's the way we want to achieve victory," said Bosz who said he is able to call on a fit squad immediately before the winter break: "The players remain very focused. We have an experienced group used to playing twice or three times a week."
In the game on the other side of the Rhine, with over 4,000 fans travelling to support the Werkself, the head coach of the sixth-placed team has all players available with the exception of the suspended Jonathan Tah and injured players Mitchell Weiser and Joel Pohjanpalo. Bosz added: "We know we still have three very important games and I feel that we're ready!"
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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