Sunday's match (25 February, 15.30 CET) should be an "an evenly balanced encounter" according to the Werkself head coach – Bayer 04 are currently just one point and two places above the Royal Blues. At the end of the season, both teams will want to finish in a place that ensures European football next term. "Two teams face each other who want to end up in the top positions in the table," said Herrlich before adding: "A win would put us four points ahead of Schalke. If Schalke win they will go above us. We definitely want to avoid that."
As in the 1-1 draw against Schalke earlier in the season, this match is also likely to present the Werkself with a challenge. "They were very effective when we played them earlier in the season. They sat back a lot but were still able to get results. That has changed slightly after the winter break," said Herrlich referring to his team's possession in the previous meeting. Above all from the last two Schalke performances, the Werkself coach has learned a lesson for the build-up to this weekend's fixture: "They have moved on, they vary their tactics much more in defence. They tried to press Bayern Munich recently and played very high up the pitch against Hoffenheim and launched their attacks up front. I can imagine they will try the same against."
The visitors also have options in their attack: Alongside Guido Burgstaller defender Naldo is the second highest scorer for the Royal Blues. The Brazilian has scored four of his five goals this season with his head and that explains the great strength of the team coached by Domenico Tedesco: Set pieces– a total of 17 of Schalke's 36 goals this season have come from dead balls. That's the highest number in the league. The Werkself coaching staff have focused on successful defending this week.
While Wendell is available again after his foot injury, Herrlich will have to manage without Jonathan Tah again. As in last week's game against Hamburg SV, the 22-year-old is still laid low with a bout of flu. "He's getting better but I said to him yesterday he doesn't need to hurry back but rather focus on the next game," said Herrlich before adding: "Clearly, if there is a rapid recovery by Sunday we will have to look at it again. But we have to plan and without him at the moment. His health takes priority," Herrlich also announced Tah’s place in central defence alongside Sven Bender will again be taken by Panos Retsos. The 19-year-old has already justified the confidence of his coach against HSV with an impressive display. "Panos has great quality and is incredible for his age," declared Herrlich.
As with Tah, the game against Schalke comes too early for the skipper Lars Bender. The 28-year-old defensive all rounder was on the pitch for the first time on Thursday since his torn thigh muscle. "Lars will join in with full training today. We aren't taking any risks but rather planning for the game against Wolfsburg without him," explained Herrlich looking forward to the next fixture in eight days. Up to then, the main focus is on the match against Schalke 04.
Bayer 04 are expecting a full house at the BayArena with around 3,500 away fans set to visit Leverkusen.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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