The opposition Darmstadt are not to be underestimated. Even if Darmstadt have lost two competitive matches in succession under Norbert Meier for the first time and also failed to score twice in succession under the new coach, the Werkself will again "give 100 per cent to play our own game."
"We want to give our fans, who provided such great support at Wembley, another great afternoon," declared Roger Schmidt with the positive impression from London still evident. "The match against Tottenham Hotspur went like a dream. We work hard all year for nights like that as we aim to qualify for the Champions League."
However: "The trip was very tiring for us all – we landed at four in the morning. I'll see the lads after the final training session and then I'll see what condition my players are in."
Without Kampl and Bender
The stresses and strains of recent weeks are noticeable in terms of personnel: Kevin Kampl misses out due to a bruised foot. "We are relieved that it's only heavy bruising and not a broken metatarsal," said Schmidt. The Werkself skipper Lars Bender is also sidelined according to Schmidt. In addition long-term injuries Karim Bellarabi, Vladlen Yurchenko and Joel Pohjanpalo are all still unavailable. Kevin Volland is suspended.
Hakan Calhanoglu is fit again! Calhanoglu "like all the substitutes on Wednesday night did his job very well. It's important that he's fit again," said Schmidt who, at the end of the press conference, spoke in detail about home-grown talent Kai Havertz who at the age of 17 years, four months and 22 days became the second youngest German Champions League debutant after Serge Gnabry (17 years 3 months and 10 days), and Benny Henrichs: "The same applies to both of them: To succeed at the highest level you need a certain strength and determination in challenges. Henrichs has shown that very quickly and made great progress. And Havertz is also in the position to win challenges at the highest level. Who we are happy to have him and other great young talents at the club. I see it as one of our tasks to promote such talented players."
The BayArena is sold out on Saturday with the exception of the visitors section. Around 1,300 Darmstadt fans are expected.
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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