"You have to remember if we win then we'll have a nine-point lead over Mönchengladbach with eight games to play – and that against one of our main competitors for a top spot. That would be an incredible achievement for us," said the Bayer 04 head coach at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "And we'll do all we can to make that happen," said Herrlich, who is expecting a tough game: "Even though Mönchengladbach – in terms of results – had a long run of poor results, I still believe they are as good as us. That has been shown in the two previous games this season."
Gladbach have only picked up seven points in the last eight games after the winter break and have dropped down to eighth in the table. But that is no reason for Herrlich to underestimate his opponents. Herrlich believes the individual players have quality in the way Dieter Hecking's team plays: "In the game against Borussia Dortmund (0-1 on matchday 23) they had an incredible number of chances that they were unable to convert. However, Mönchengladbach did create a lot of chances. I believe when a team creates a lot of chances that they will score at some point." In order to prevent that happening tomorrow the 46-year-old has sounded a warning to his players: "We have to defend in a way that prevents them having chances to score."
Herrlich is looking for 90 minutes of concentration from his team. The mistakes in the last two games against Schalke (0-2) and Wolfsburg (2-1) should be a lesson to his players. "We were under tremendous pressure to win ahead of the game against Wolfsburg. That's why the win was a good response. But after going 2-0 down against Schalke we were too casual in defence. We need to make sure we work hard enough tomorrow," said Herrlich before adding: "That might have worked against Wolfsburg but it will be much more difficult against Mönchengladbach."
There is no lack of excitement and anticipation ahead of the game against his former club. "Both Mönchengladbach and us are trying to find answers on the pitch in terms of creating chances. We can expect an exciting and attractive game tomorrow," said Herrlich, who is keen to see a win for his team after two defeats at the BayArena.
Herrlich will have to manage without defender Tin Jedvaj tomorrow after he picked up a thigh injury in training on Tuesday morning. "We could have risked playing him if it was essential. But we didn't want to take that risk and he should be fit again next week." Otherwise, the Werkself players are all available – including Panos Retsos and Dominik Kohr after suspension.
The Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.
Show moreA striking look and innovative design as an expression of a forward-looking partnership: With the official presentation of the current home jersey, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and sports equipment manufacturer New Balance start a new era in tandem. For the first partnership with a professional German club, the American company from Boston, Massachusetts has developed a creative new interpretation of the Leverkusen club colours. A row of red lines, made up of slender crosses, merges into a black background. Inspired by the world famous Bayer Cross, the jersey is a symbol of a new beginning without forgetting historical roots.
Show moreThe Werkself home jersey for the 2025/ 26 season is here! A row of red lines, made up of slender crosses, merges into a black background. Inspired by the world famous Bayer Cross, the jersey is a symbol of a new beginning without forgetting our historical roots. The new home jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 shops and the online shop.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen and sports equipment manufacturer New Balance start a new era in tandem. For the first partnership with a professional German club, the American company from Boston, Massachusetts has developed a creative new interpretation of the Leverkusen club colours.
Show more