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
Fans at the BayArena got to enjoy a spectacle on Wednesday as the Werkself came from behind to beat Nürnberg 5-2 in the DFB Pokal. Now with the sixth home game of the season, can Bayer 04 maintain their perfect record in Leverkusen as VfB Stuttgart come to town in the Bundesliga on Saturday (15:30 CET)? The visitors have had issues domestically this term, sitting in 15th place, although they have had much better results in the UEFA Champions League. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 8 encounter…
Show more
Three days after the spectacular comeback in the DFB Pokal tie against FC Nürnberg (5–2), the Werkself face their next challenge in the Bundesliga. On Saturday, 31 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET), Bayer 04 host VfB Stuttgart, currently 15th in the table, at the BayArena. Ahead of the match, Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about important factors in preparing for this next game given a tight fixture list.
Show more
Despite VfB Stuttgart performing well in the Champions League, they are facing a difficult spell early on in the Bundesliga. Three days after their last-minute victory in the DFB Pokal at SC Paderborn 07, the Swabians can now take to the pitch at the BayArena with greater confidence on Saturday, 31 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
A special afternoon at the Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp: At the Liga 20 indoor football centre, in the shadow of the BayArena, two Werkself women’s team players led a training session. Loreen Bender and Selina Ostermeier not only offered the young players advice and support, but also got stuck in themselves.
Show more
