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17.10.2019Bundesliga

‘Not ideal preparation’

Following the international break, the Werkself start Bundesliga matchday eight tomorrow at Eintracht Frankfurt (kick-off: 20.30 CET, live on Werkself Radio and live text commentary in German at bayer04.de plus live stream on DAZN). Peter Bosz is not necessarily happy playing on a Friday night – "above all after an international break," said the 55-year-old at the pre-match press conference. The reason: "Three international players have only come back today. That's not ideal preparation."

Lukas Hradecky, Joel Pohjanpalo and Moussa Diaby were the last of a total of 12 international players who have now rejoined the squad. "I've still got to speak to the three late arrivals but I'm assuming everything is okay with them," said Bosz who will be without long-term injuries Charles Aránguiz and Daley Sinkgraven in the game against Eintracht Frankfurt.

On the last matchday, the Werkself had the opportunity to go top of the table and the chance is there again tomorrow night in the event of a victory – at least for one day. "We are seventh at the moment. The fact you can jump from seventh to first place shows how tight it is at the top. That also means that every point is important at this stage. It does not say much about how the season will end. But, of course, we want to win every game including tomorrow's."

Bayer 04 have won four of the last five games against Frankfurt. The Werkself went to town in the last meeting: Bayer 04 beat Eintracht 6-1 at the BayArena on matchday 32. No other Bundesliga game has seen seven (or more) goals scored so quickly – the scoring was completed after 36 minutes. For Peter Bosz, that does not have any bearing on tomorrow's fixture; "That was last season… There were other players and it was at another stage of the season in the Bundesliga where Frankfurt had played so many games in the Europa League and were no longer as fresh. That has nothing to do with tomorrow's game and this time it won't be as easy for us," countered Bosz who is expecting an energetic encounter with a direct and aggressive Frankfurt side.

If you believe the stats, Bayer 04 fans can expect Werkself goals again tomorrow night as Eintracht have played 19 Bundesliga games against Bayer 04 on their own turf and are still waiting to keep a clean sheet. Kevin Volland has recently been responsible for that run as the 27-year-old has made Eintracht into one of his favourite opponents: Volland has not scored as many goals (eight) and provided as many assists (10) against any other club. And Peter Bosz is also certain there will be goals: "The only exception this season was the Hoffenheim game. Otherwise, Bayer 04 goals are virtually guaranteed."

The Werkself will have the backing of 1,500 fans in Frankfurt. For anyone yet to make up their mind: Away tickets are available at the Commerzbank Arena from 18.30 CET tomorrow. Both standing and seats are available.

The match will be refereed by Christian Dingert. 

 

 

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