Although several players were away on international duty, Heiko Herrlich was able to use the international window to work intensively with the rest of his players: "We had seven of the players who started against FC Schalke in training. So we've worked on sharpening up a few things in the past two weeks – both in defensive and offensive areas."
Confirm positive trend
In assessing the season so far, the coach keeps emphasising the difference between performance and results. The trend is now going in the right direction: "We've played seven games. Although performances in the first three matches were generally very good we only managed to pick up one point. If you look at the last four games you can see we've picked up four points. We need to confirm that development and look to extend it."
'We want to play our game'
In response to a question about Wolfsburg, who have only secured three points since the change of coaches, Herrlich declared: "They have more possession and are more efficient in finishing. Martin Schmidt proved at Mainz that he can successfully lead a team. I'm sure he'll get Wolfsburg back on track as well. But we want to play our game against VfL on Sunday and win."
Jedvaj still in rehab, Aránguiz not match fit
In the quest for a third win at home this season, the coach has a full squad to choose from with the exception of Tin Jedvaj (still in rehab after a hairline shin fracture) and Charles Aránguiz. On Aránguiz, who suffered a calf injury in the away match at FC Schalke 04 but then played in the international against Brazil, the coach responded as follows: "Charly is back. He was checked out by our doctors this morning to see how the injury has developed. Of course, you can still see the bruising from two weeks ago but nothing has been made any worse by playing for Chile." However, he has not fully recovered from the injury and is ruled out at this weekend's game on the advice of the Bayer 04 medical section.
28,000 expected at the BayArena
Eight 28,000 crowd is expected for the fifth Family Day at the BayArena for the match against VfL Wolfsburg. For anybody who does not want to miss the special highlights for Bayer 04 fans young and old: Come and get your tickets on matchday.
Contribute to a good cause and win something special! The Bayer 04 jersey competition is entering its third round: From 10 October and up to and including 29 November, raffle tickets can be purchased for five euros each at the Fanwelt on the south side of the BayArena for the chance to win one of two signed away jerseys. The proceeds from the raffle will be donated to Tafel Leverkusen e.V. as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations.
Show moreA strong and successful partnership that will be continued: Bayer 04 and Energieversorgung Leverkusen GmbH & Co. KG (EVL) have extended their contract for energy supply and related services until 30 June 2027. As part of this, EVL will continue to hold the naming rights to the family section at the BayArena.
Show moreIt all kicks off in around a week and a half! The new season of the VBL Club Championship by WOW starts on 16 October. And before the Leverkusen eSports players Marc and Sean Landwehr plus Markus Hüttemann and Keanu Senkbeil compete on the console again, bayer04.de provides an overview of the structural changes for the upcoming eSports season. The changes affect both the match procedure in individual fixtures and the entire competition mode.
Show moreThe second international break of the 2025/26 season will begin after the Bundesliga match against Union Berlin (Saturday, 4 October, 15:30 CEST). Werkself players are in action in the next qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The latest information on call-ups.
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