Schmidt: 'We have to work our way into the game'

Everybody knows what’s at stake. "There are demands on us as a team," said Kevin Kampl. "It's a difficult situation but now we've got to find an answer," said Bernd Leno. "We have to produce a performance from start to finish and win," said Lars Bender. "The only thing that counts is Frankfurt and we need to give our all," said Rudi Völler.

Ahead of Saturday's clash (15.30 CET) with Eintracht Frankfurt, everybody at Bayer 04 is aware of the urgency of the task at hand – and the fact that Eintracht come to the BayArena third in the Bundesliga and as Cup quarter-finalists should not have any great significance. The last time Frankfurt had as many points at this stage of the season (35) was 24 years ago so it is no surprise Niko Kovac's team head for Leverkusen in confident mood. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the Werkself coach declared: "Frankfurt are on a really good run and deserve to be where they are in the table. They've often won out in tight games and when that happens so often then it's no coincidence."

‘Strength built up’

Regardless of the quality of the opposition, Bayer 04 are obviously looking for a win on Saturday. "We definitely won't produce a perfect performance as we're lacking the confidence that comes from winning matches at the moment. We need to work our way into the game, show maximum attention as a team for 90 minutes and thereby regain stability and regain enjoyment in playing," said Schmidt, "in the last two and a half years we have built up playing and mental strength in the team and that's what we want to call on now."

In terms of availability, it is clear Bayer 04 will have to make do without the suspended Hakan Calhanoglu and the injured Jonathan Tah (thigh). With three other players there is a chance they might play against Frankfurt. That particularly applies to Chicharito and Lars Bender. "It's looking good for Chicha even if he isn't back in full training as yet. Lars has trained very well over the week and I hope we will have our captain back on board. It remains to be seen whether he'll be in the team or in the squad but I'll have to talk to him again," said Schmidt.

Toprak and Jedvaj as defensive duo

The biggest question mark is over the return of Aleksandar Dragovic. "It would be brilliant if he can make it. That's rather unlikely and he definitely won't play from the start. Ömer Toprak and Tin Jedvaj will be our central defenders," said the Werkself head coach. Schmidt kept his cards close to his chest regarding new signing Leon Bailey in terms of him being an option against Frankfurt following his brief appearance away to Hamburg SV. "He's a great lad and a very positive character and his integration in the squad is going really well. But we need to look after him and find the right moment to give him the responsibility," explained Schmidt.

Bayer 04 expect a crowd of 29,000 at the BayArena including 3,500 Eintracht fans.