Lukas, how important was the victory coming from behind at Freiburg for building confidence?
A win like that always does you good. Even though we were lucky that the referee withdrew the red card against Sven Bender. That situation was a wake-up call for us. We showed courage, came back and deservedly won in the end. That also shows how we have developed as a team. We’ve lost games like that in the past.
You are unbeaten in the Bundesliga. Is that also a sign of defensive stability?
Definitely not just because the results. But we have conceded very few shots on goal from opponents. You can see that we’ve played together for a long time. Our overall defensive work is functioning much better than at the start of last season. We communicate with each other better and everybody knows what he has to do.
To what extent do you feel the team has recovered after the departures in the summer?
The departures have less to do with it. I’d like to still have Kai (Havertz, ed.) and Kevin (Volland, ed.) in our team. But the fact is others have to do more now. Also take on more responsibility. They’re getting their chance and they know how to use it. And that also helps the team to develop. We are on the right track but haven’t reached our target yet. Quite the opposite.
The current top five in the table is exactly the same as the top five last season. Do you think it will stay like that?
If it was up to me, gladly. Particularly if we are in the top four at the end. (He laughs) But you can’t afford to write off teams like Hoffenheim, Wolfsburg and, above all, Frankfurt. It’s all very tight.
Gladbach have a lot of quality and they were impressive in defence in the 1-0 win against Leipzig. What do you have to look out for against Borussia?
They have a lot of pace in the team and very good finishers in Thuram, Plea, Stindl and Co. It will be a big challenge for us. A real test for our team. Both in defence as well as in attack… But they will think the same about us.
Lucas Alario has scored five times in the last three Bundesliga matches. What’s your assessment of his development?
Lucas knows exactly where the goal is. A genuine fox in the box. And he has an outstanding goalscoring instinct. Not to forget: Now through good performances and his goals he has developed confidence and the team bring him into the game more. It’s very difficult to defend against him. I’m very happy he’s playing for us. (He laughs)
The whole of the BayArena Aktuell for the home game against Borussia Mönchengladbach is available HERE. The digital Werkself matchday magazine includes: Interesting facts on #B04BMG, news from other sections of Bayer 04 and a look at the draw for the second round of the DFB Cup, which is happening at the same time as the clash with the ‘Foals’. Log on and get in the mood for the big game!
As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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