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 will have to manage without attacking midfielder Martin Terrier for the time being. The Frenchman sustained a muscle injury to his left hamstring yesterday, Thursday 15 October, during the Europa League game against Polish champions Lech Poznan (4–0). Terrier is not expected to be available until late December.
Show more
Following the international break, the Bayer 04 women’s team face their next head-to-head clash in the race for a top spot in the Bundesliga. In Saturday’s home match (14:00 CEST), the fourth-placed side host third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. Head coach Roberto Pätzold is well aware of the great opportunity this presents for his team.
Show more
Keep the momentum going against the current league leaders: On Sunday, 18 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself – unbeaten in their last six matches – host SC Freiburg at the BayArena. For their part, Freiburg have yet to lose a single game this season. Ahead of the clash with SCF, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about the team spirit within his squad and the strengths of the upcoming opponents. The Spaniard also commented on Martin Terrier and the attacking options available in the squad.
Show more
Malik Tillman described Leverkusen’s first European competition game in Poland in more than three decades as a “successful trip”. On matchday 2 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League, the Werkself secured a commanding 4–0 victory away at champions Lech Poznan, a result that brought a number of positives. This fourth win in a row should also provide further momentum for the upcoming home fixture. The Werkself review of the Europa League night in Poland.
Show more
