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.
The Germany U19 team were beaten 2-0 by record champions Spain in the final of the U19 European Championship in Wales. Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan at SV 07 Elversberg) were in the starting line-up and played the full 90 minutes.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed France U17 international Kenan Doganay. The 1.90-metre-tall defensive midfielder, who has Turkish roots, joins Leverkusen from the U19s at French top-flight club Olympique Lyon. He will initially train with and play for the U19 team.
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The Sports Tribunal of the German Football Association (DFB) has fined Bayer 04 Leverkusen €185,000 for spectators setting off pyrotechnic devices during a total of five competitive matches. This relates to four Bundesliga matches and the DFB Pokal semi-final against Bayern Munich. The highest individual fine relates to the away match at FC Köln at the end of April.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 goalkeeper Simeon Rapsch. The Germany youth international goalkeeper has signed a long-term contract with the Werkself running to 30 June 2029. The 18-year-old joined Leverkusen from FC Viktoria Köln in the summer of 2024.
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