'Not as many chances as in the home game'
The Werkself head for Sinsheim on the back of three wins on the bounce. Bayer 04 play TSG 1899 Hoffenheim at the PreZero Arena on Saturday 1 February (kick-off: 15.30 CET).
The game at the BayArena earlier in the season ended all square at 0-0 but the stats were clearly in favour of the Black and Reds: 75 per cent possession, 20 shots on goal, 19 corners. "But I'm not expecting us to have as many chances as we did in the home game. Therefore, we’ll have to make better use of them," said head coach Peter Bosz at the pre-match press conference.
In order to achieve the desired improvement in converting chances, Bosz has, in the training sessions over the past few days, "placed great value on working on moves in the final third of the pitch. We have a lot of players with great ability in this area. That makes me confident we can improve our conversion rate in the future as we did in the home game against Düsseldorf (3-0, ed.)."
"progress at TSG"
The Dutchman also praised our next opponents in the press conference ahead of the game. Hoffenheim have made progress since the first meeting in August. The team coached by Alfred Schreuder secured wins against Borussia Dortmund and away at FC Bayern (both 2-1). "Analysis shows that they have achieved very good results above all against teams in the top half of the table," said Bosz before concluding: "As I reckon we are also in the top half of the table, it won't be an easy game for us."
Lars Bender on board
Bayer 04 captain Lars Bender missed several training sessions last week to give him a rest. The defender was back in full training this week and he will be available for selection in Sinsheim. That means the only players missing are midfielder Charles Aránguiz (muscular injury) and winter signing Exequiel Palacios who is currently suspended.
"Very talented"
Head coach Bosz also talked about new signing Florian Wirtz who has been brought in by Bayer 04 from the youth section at FC Köln. The Dutchman on the U16 international: "He is still very young at 16 – but very talented nonetheless. I'm happy to work with young talents and to help him build a great career."
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky (TV) and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Oberasbach)
Tickets: 650 Werkself fans travelling to Sinsheim. Tickets are available on the day from 13.30 CET at the ground.
Related News
Sustainability - 28.03.2026
Inclusion, community and first team autographs: Day of action for women and girls with disabilities
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 28.03.2026
Earth Hour 2026: BayArena switches off lights for the planet
On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 27.03.2026
Return from Salzburg: Bayer 04 sign forward Kerim Alajbegovic
Bayer 04 Leverkusen are bringing back Kerim Alajbegovic, who joined Red Bull Salzburg in the summer of 2025. The Bundesliga club activated the buy-back option in the contract with the Bosnia international, who has enjoyed great success at the Austrian top-flight club since the start of the current season. Alajbegovic moved to Salzburg from the Leverkusen U19s last year. The 1.86-metre forward has signed a five-year contract at Leverkusen with a start date of 1 July 2026.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 27.03.2026
Goalscorer and hard worker: Alajbegovic and big steps in Salzburg
Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 24.03.2026
Nathan Tella signs new deal with Bayer 04 to 2031
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
Show more
