Maik Walpurgis took over the helm at Ingolstadt from the hapless Markus Kauczinski this term. Since then, FCI have picked up seven out of a possible twelve points. "Under their new coach, Ingolstadt have rediscovered their former strengths and found a way of playing marked by being very compact and showing great commitment as a team," declared Roger Schmidt who is well aware of one factor: "It's crystal clear they will provide us with a stern test. We can expect a very tough challenge. That was the way it was against Ingolstadt last season. I remember well: It was very tight but we accepted the challenge and were able to just win out."
Kevin Kampl is back
Good news on the injury front: "I think Kevin Kampl is capable of playing from the start. I'll make my mind up tomorrow. It's looking very good. He's as fresh as a daisy and rested. I've known him for quite a while: I've never experienced a time when he drops off the pace. Kevin suffered heavy bruising. We hoped it would mean a break of two or three weeks and that's what's happened. He’s pain free now."
Kevin Volland, Karim Bellarabi and Lars Bender are all definitely sidelined. It remains to be seen whether Stefan Kießling can play: "I think he might miss out on Sunday," explained Roger Schmidt. "He has muscular problems and has been unable to train." Wendell also broke down in training.
Roger Schmidt emphasised the great enthusiasm of his squad ahead of the last home game of the year. "We've rationed training recently and everybody's fresh. Overall the lads give the impression they can hardly wait for the game. We are fully focused on the Ingolstadt match, definitely want to win and then we can concentrate on the derby."
Bayer 04 are expecting a crowd of 25,000 on Sunday with 250 from Ingolstadt. Tickets are still available via the usual outlets.
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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