The derby defeat against FC Köln: It really hurts. And that won't be put right straightaway by winning against Augsburg. The defeat in Cologne was a collective failure. That includes me. I always look at myself first and try to establish whether I've made mistakes during the game or in the assessment of the opposition. Most of the time, the performance on the pitch reflect the work on the training ground in the week. And only two or three players showed their normal form. It was the worst game so far. You can't compare it with the defeats against Hertha or Mainz. We didn't play with any feeling or passion. We didn't get the basics right.
Responsibility to the fans: It was a derby. The fans made us aware of it again the day before. We just can't afford to produce a performance like that. If you give 100 per cent then you can accept defeat. But that wasn't the case.
Consequences of the 2-0 defeat: I can't find an explanation for it at the moment. We've already had the first individual discussions and will continue that when the players return from international duty. You can lose to Köln – as Leipzig found out recently – but the way we lost isn't on. It can't happen again like that.
Lessons from the derby failure: It looks like – if we get too much praise from outside, as in the recent two wins against Wolfsburg and Mönchengladbach, then we have to put that into context, explain to the players that one or two good performances don't achieve anything. That makes sure the hunger and ambition to win is still there.
What are the positives: The team have often showed they have the quality to fight back. Now it's time to find consistency. We are in the home straight of the season. If we want to achieve our ambitious targets then we definitely can't afford any more slip-ups like that.
The ban facing Lucas Alario: We've spoken to him. Of course, he knows he's made a huge mistake. He did something that hurt the team. In addition to the fine from the DFB, we will deal with it internally but only after the squad's back together again next week. Human beings make mistakes and Lucas has the biggest burden to bear as a result. We'll look at its sensibly and get him back on track.
The development of our number 13: Lucas was obviously on top of his game recently. He understood how we wanted to play and put that into action really well. And when we were in possession he always made himself available and was a real danger in front of goal. That's why he was involved in seven of the last ten goals. That's the sort of striker you want. Of course, that makes the ban even more annoying.
Possible replacement for Alario: We have several options to cope with it. Stefan Kießling and Joel Pohjanpalo are possibles but we also have other alternatives.
The friendly against VfL Bochum 1848: A number of key players are obviously missing. Alario is suspended. And neither Sven or Lars Bender are available. We don't want to take any risks with them. Kevin Volland will play to maintain his rhythm. Vlad Yurchenko, Wendell, Karim Bellarabi, Marlon Frey, Dominik Kohr and the two goalkeepers will also get time on the pitch. We'll use U19 players for the other positions.
A new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreThe Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
Show moreBosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
Show morePreparations for the 2025/26 season at Bayer 04 start next Monday, 7 July, with the first team and youth players training together. Without the international players who were involved with their national teams at the end of last season, new head coach Erik ten Hag will welcome a group of senior and youth players to the first open training session one week ahead of the departure to the training camp in Rio de Janeiro. After the official welcome in the dressing room, the Werkself players will start the session in the shadow of the BayArena on 7 July at 14:00 CEST.
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