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
From the 2027/28 season, the Women’s Bundesliga will be organised by an independent league association. Following the unanimous decision taken at the DFB Bundestag (national conference) on Friday afternoon, the league’s separation from the DFB is now official.
Show more
The next home fixture is here: Following the winning start to the UEFA Europa League against NK Celje, the Werkself host RB Leipzig at the BayArena on matchday 4 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign. The match on Sunday, 20 September, kicks off at 15:30 CEST. At the pre-match press conference, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the qualities of the opposition and the work being done to improve his team’s performance. The Spaniard also provided updates on Ibrahim Maza and Montrell Culbreath.
Show more
Following the Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig (Sunday, 20 September, 15:30 CEST), some of the Werkself first team players will be heading off for the first international break of the season. Here is an overview of the Bayer 04 players called up for their national teams and all the details of their upcoming matches.
Show more
A special visit to the BayArena: 222 members from volunteer fire brigades in Leverkusen, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district and the Oberbergisch district watched the Werkself’s 2–0 home win over Slovenian champions NK Celje live in the stadium. Bayer 04 had invited them to the 2026/27 Europa League opener as a thank-you for their tremendous dedication. They watched the match together in Block F4.
Show more
