His team have happy memories of the last meeting between the two sides. On matchday 34 in the last campaign the Werkself ran riot at the Berlin Olympic Stadium with a 6-2 win against Hertha. "That match is still in the minds of the players. That gives them confidence and belief,," said Herrlich. The same applies to the 4-0 win against SC Freiburg on Sunday. In spite of the euphoria following the impressive performance of his team against Freiburg, the Bayer 04 coach warned against ignoring the basics that led to the win at the weekend. "We can't forget what was needed in terms of running, battling and working before we were able to express our quality on the pitch," said Herrlich. "The lads deserve to be praised but it's important to look to continue to build on the win."
It is clear that Bayer 04 face a tough opponent in her to Berlin. Their impressive defence (only four goals conceded in six competitive matches) drew respect from Herrlich. "They have focused on conceding as few goals as possible. That means it's a different proposition from the Freiburg game." A different proposition but the same starting eleven? That is possible. "There's a lot to say we should field the same team," said Herrlich who can be happy that no other players are ruled out of contention despite the short recovery time. At the same time, the Werkself coach has the home game against Hamburg on Sunday at the back of his mind. "We have to keep in mind that arrest for one of the other player would be good." The Werkself starting eleven for the match in the capital of Germany will be decided after the final training session before flying off on Tuesday afternoon.
Tin Jedvaj is definitely ruled out. And Lucas Alario will not travel with the team to Berlin either. Bayer 04 believe there is little chance the striker receiving permission to play before Wednesday. "If he trains here on a one-to-one basis then that will give us more in terms of Sunday's game," said Herrlich who was optimistic that the Argentinian will be in the Werkself squad for the game against Hamburg. The focus now, as Herrlich declared, is on Berlin: "We are now concentrating on Hertha Berlin and the players that are available." The coach and his team are looking for a second win of the week with the support of 600 travelling Bayer 04 fans. "We want to return with a result and hopefully three points," said Herrlich.
The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').
Show moreContinuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed centre forward Christian Kofane. The 18-year-old Cameroonian joins Leverkusen from Spanish second tier club Albacete on a contract to 30 June 2029.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen will wear the new away kit for the 2025/26 season at the start of the training camp in Brazil. In conscious contrast to the international aspect of this year's training camp in Rio de Janeiro, kit supplier New Balance has designed a jersey for the Werkself players and all other Bayer 04 teams with distinct links to home.
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