The two recent poor performances are still in mind and the disappointment suitably great. “But now we have the next game straight away. On the one hand, it’s good to be playing again so quickly but, on the other, we don’t have much time to prepare,” said Bosz at the pre-match press conference. His team has to rediscover the form shown in the games against Bayern Munich, Schalke 04 and Juventus. Bosz: “Those games proved we can do better. We have to perform like that again tomorrow.”
The next opponents for Bayer 04 have just gone through the first change of coaches this term: Nine points from eleven games saw the departure of Sandro Schwarz and his successor Achim Beierlorzer (formerly at FC Köln) has secured three wins in his first five matches in charge – including the 5-1 victory over Hoffenheim and the 5-0 win at Werder Bremen. “Those are good results. We can expect a tough but very interesting game,”, said Bosz.
After the recent defeats, there was criticism of Bayer 04 playmaker Kai Havertz. His substitution in the home game Hertha was met with jeers from some members of the crowd of the BayArena. “I can’t understand it. Since I’ve been here, people have talked about the Bayer 04 family. For me, that is the fans, players and staff. Everybody together. There were a few people who booed but it wasn’t the whole stadium. But I would never have a go at my family. It doesn’t help the team,” declared Bosz.
The Dutchman added: “The lad is from our own youth teams and he’s already given this club so much – although he is still very young. He can have a bad game. I told him that when he gets back on track – and I’m convinced of that –, he will be stronger than before.”
1,600 travelling fans will support the Werkself in the last game of the year. Bosz, who will choose his squad after the final pre-match training session, concluded: “Tomorrow we have the chance to partly make amends. The points are important if we want to moving up before Christmas. We’ll try to win at Mainz.”
Match information:
TV broadcaster: Sky
Referee: Patrick Ittrich
Tickets: Away tickets are sale at the ground from 12.30 CET
Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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The champions of Slovenia NK Celje are in a European competition for the fourth time in their history. This Wednesday, 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the side lead by head coach Vitor Campelos visit the BayArena for matchday 1 in the group stage in the UEFA Europa League. Celje’s last match at the weekend did not go to plan. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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