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.
Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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The Werkself returned from the near one-month break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga with a convincing victory at home. Roberto Pätzold's side beat SC Freiburg 4-1 on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Katharina Piljic, Estrella Merino Gonzalez, Cornelia Kramer and Carlotta Wamser ensuring a 13th win of the season at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion. The Black and Reds, who are now on 40 points, move up to fourth place at least overnight.
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The fifth consecutive derby win over 1. FC Köln was a hugely significant one in terms of the battle for the UEFA Champions League places. Goalkeeper Janis Blaswich, speaking for the whole team, dedicated the 2-1 victory in the cathedral city to the travelling support: "I'm especially happy about this victory for our fans!" Get the rest of the reaction from those involved and the media, as well as some impressive stats on two-goal hero Patrik Schick and a look at the all-time Bundesliga table, in the Werkself Review.
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