19 out of a possible 21 points in the Bundesliga, 14 of the last 16 games won: The Black and Reds have carried on where they left off at the beginning of March with two wins since the restart. "I was a little worried we'd lose our rhythm due to the coronavirus break," admitted head coach Peter Bosz at today's pre-match press conference but, at the same time, he said with relief: "To be honest, I have to say our players have recently been really good in putting our instructions into practice. Once again: Hats off to the lads."
It's one match after the next for the Werkself at the moment. Four games in 12 days are on the agenda. "The gap between matches is very short. With this run of games it's very important for us to control workloads so that all the players stay fit," explained Bosz who was today able to welcome Jonathan Tah (back problems) and Kevin Volland (ankle ligament) back to the training ground. "Afterwards we’ll see which players are available," added the 56-year-old.
One player, who in all probability will also face VfL, is Kerem Demirbay. The summer signing from TSG 1899 Hoffenheim produced impressive performances in the games against Werder Bremen and Borussia Mönchengladbach. Bosz: "It's taken a while with him. But that's normal when a player moves to a new club. Kerem has played very well in the second half of the season and he brings his quality to the pitch."
Bosz and Co. have only experienced games without fans away up till now. Tomorrow will be the first game for the Werkself behind closed doors at the BayArena. In the first two Bundesliga matchdays after the restart, the hosts have only won three matches. "I don't think that's a coincidence. It's easier for the away teams if there are no fans at the ground. Without fans, it's more down to the quality of the teams on the pitch," said Bosz who finished off with a comment on tomorrow's opponents: "It will be tough again against Wolfsburg – we'll have to give 100 per cent over 90 minutes and definitely set out to win the game in the end."
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will be announced on the day of the match.
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Werkself TV shows highlights of the 0-0 draw against Olympiacos in the second leg of the play-offs of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league...
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will play Offenbacher Kickers: As part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the regional football league club, the Werkself will play a friendly at the Hessen club in the summer. On Saturday, 25 July 2026 (kick-off: 15:00 CEST.), coach Kasper Hjulmand's team will face OFC at Offenbach's Bieberer Berg stadium. The supporters of both clubs have maintained a close fan friendship for many years. This makes the match in preparation for the 2026/27 season a very special one, and not just for Offenbach fans.
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