Ahead of the clash with the revived Old Lady, the Werkself head coach believes the two remaining Bundesliga matches have to be won to ensure progress to the Champions League next term. "We know what we have to do – and that's win the game tomorrow. We can't afford to look at what Gladbach, Leipzig or Dortmund are doing but instead focus on ourselves. That's the only thing that will help us," said the 56-year-old at the pre-match press conference.
After a hectic season, the team from the capital face two dead rubbers in the remaining games – neither Europe nor relegation are possible – but Bosz sounded a warning about the opponents who are now coached by former Werkself manager Bruno Labbadia: "We know more hangs on the game for us than for Hertha Berlin. Nevertheless, we expect to face an opponent tomorrow who wants to win. That's what every professional athlete wants."
The Dutchman continued that everybody at the club wants the same energy shown at the empty Olympic Stadium as was evident in the 3-1 derby win against FC Köln. "There are two games left in the Bundesliga – two finals," declared Bosz.
It remains to be seen whether Sven Bender will play after going off against FC Köln due to injury. The 31-year-old will fly to Berlin today. But Bosz said there is a question mark over a possible appearance by the defender. The captain Lars Bender (foot) and Karim Bellarabi (muscle) will not be in the capital as they are still involved in individual training sessions. However, Bosz has not given up hope that the duo could return for the DFB Cup final against FC Bayern (4 July): "We're pretty confident the two of them will play a role. I think it's even looking very good at the moment,"
Three Black and Red defenders are in danger of a one-match ban in Berlin that would mean they would miss the game against Mainz 05: Aleksandar Dragovic, Jonathan Tah and Wendell have already picked up four yellow cards. Bosz finished off by saying: "We have to win the game tomorrow. So we'll use all the players available to us."
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will be announced on the day of the game
Bayer 04 are riding a wave of success on the European stage: After three wins from their first three games and as the only team yet to concede a goal, the Werkself sit second in the table in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League. With another three points in their first-ever competitive match against Olympique Marseille on Thursday night, 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET), Bayer 04 could leap to the top of the table. Meanwhile, the French side are riding the wave of a winning streak in Ligue 1, but are yet to pick up any points in the Europa League. For one Werkself player, Thursday night will mark a reunion with his former team-mates. Today’s matchday news.
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The Europa League campaign continues: Bayer 04 host Olympique Marseille at the BayArena on matchday four of the group stage on Thursday 5 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Ahead of the clash against the club from the French Mediterranean coast, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the visitors’ form and had some good news regarding the squad. Former OM player Facundo Medina spoke, amongst other things, about the factors that will be crucial against his old club.
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The Bayer 04 Round of 16 tie in the 2026/27 DFB Pokal has been scheduled. The Werkself will host Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig on Wednesday, 2 December, at 18:00 CET. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB).
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Video game developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga Player of the Month award for October 2026 – and Bayer 04’s Ibrahim Maza is among them. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 8 November (23:59 CET).
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