The fact that Hoffenheim are still unbeaten this season and currently lie three points ahead of Bayer 04, "says a lot about their quality," as Roger Schmidt added: "TSG are clearly doing a lot right. They often choose the tactic of playing five at the back with a lot of disciplined and defensively oriented players ensuring stability. They are quick at switching play and invest a lot of energy. In addition, they have found a target player in Sandro Wagner who perfectly suits their game."
For Roger Schmidt that is no reason at all to divert from his own plans. "We want to carry on against Hoffenheim where we left off in the Champions League against Tottenham Hotspur: The key element is improving on the discrepancy between effort and reward. On top of all the attractive football we want to score goals and, above all, win. To do that we need to be very focused in front of goal and discover the fun of scoring."
In terms of personnel available for Saturday, Schmidt spoke about a number of question marks. Hakan Calhanoglu, who went off at half-time against Tottenham due to a back problem, is "still feeling pain. It's looking negative for him. I don't want to make a final decision a moment but it's not looking good." Captain Lars Bender, was after the UCL match, according to Schmidt "shattered. The day off will have done him good. We'll see on Friday how he's feeling." The same applies to Stefan Kießling who "played over 90 minutes for the first time in a long while. We'll have to wait and see how he's recovered." Striker Chicharito is suffering with a cold and he too is a doubt.
Info for the fans
With the exception of the visitors section, Bayer 04 are expecting a sell-out at the BayArena for the match against Hoffenheim. Ticket offices will be open on the day of the game. For the fourth time on Saturday, Werkself fans will also be able to enjoy highly reduced ticket prices and a wide range of events: Bayer 04 invites supporters to the home match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim for a family day, again presented by health partner pronova BKK.
After the first win of the season against 1. FC Union Berlin (4-0) last weekend, the Werkself are aiming to collect another three points at FC Augsburg on Saturday 12 September (kick-off 15:30 CEST). The hosts, meanwhile, are enjoying their best-ever start to a Bundesliga campaign and go into Matchday 3 top of the table for the first time. The Matchday News.
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The Werkself are away to FC Augsburg on matchday 3 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The game at the WWK Arena against the current – and for the first time – league leaders of the German top flight is on Saturday 12 September at 15:30 CEST. Ahead of the match, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about this week’s training and the team’s approach to the fixture, as they face an opponent brimming with confidence. The Spaniard also addressed a number of squad matters.
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FC Augsburg are top of the table for the first time in their Bundesliga history. After two wins for starters, FCA lead the German top-flight with six points and a goal difference of 7 to 1. This Saturday, 12 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), Augsburg are looking to build on their strong start to the season against the Werkself. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Following the closure of the 2026 summer transfer window, the Bayer 04 men's and women's first teams lined up for a first-ever joint photo at the BayArena. Werkself fans can now download the official photos for free.
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Bayer 04 Women will be without captain Carolin Simon and striker Valentina Mädl over the coming weeks. Both players missed last Friday's 2-1 Bundesliga win at TSG Hoffenheim because of muscle injuries.
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