Schmidt is demanding improvement from his players. "Above all we need to be better pressing for the ball," said the 48-year-old coach at the pre-match press conference: "We need to get back to the top level that made us so strong in recent seasons." According to Schmidt, it's also a matter of efficiency. "The decisive factor will be making more of our chances," he said.
That is how he is able to interpret the three points from the first three Bundesliga matches as he said: "The season is very long. You need stamina to achieve your targets." Ahead of the next international break in eleven days the boss and his players have four games and it's clear that changes in personnel are to be expected. "We'll make a few changes from match to match," he said. It is possible Aleksandar Dragovic may soon make his debut for the Werkself.
Good news for Kießling
Stefan Kießling can also look forward to making a return to the squad. The goal-getter has been in full training for the past two weeks and "we'll talk to him about when he feels fit enough. That could be soon," said Schmidt.
The coach spoke highly of the opponents from Augsburg. "Over the past few seasons the team has developed into a side that is hard to play against any opposition," said Schmidt. That has not changed with Dirk Schuster taking over the managerial hot seat from Markus Weinzierl. "They always play with great intensity and desire," said Schmidt.
Bayer 04 reminds supporters large bags and rucksacks are not allowed in the stadium.
There won’t just be plenty of excitement on the pitch as Bayer 04 host Borussia Dortmund at the BayArena at 18:30 CET on Saturday. Outside the stadium there will be collection points for food donations to the Leverkusen Foodbank, which will also benefit from the profits of a jersey raffle in the Fanwelt afterwards. There will also be a minute’s silence before kick-off following the passing of long-time Werkself player Dieter Herzog, before two fan clubs are honoured for their decades-long support at half-time and fans receive a talk about Orange Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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Bayer 04 go into the first of two successive clashes with Borussia Dortmund boosted by their Champions League win at Manchester City. Ahead of the Bundesliga top match on Saturday, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET), coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the tight schedule, BVB's strengths and returning squad members.
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Borussia Dortmund are doing very well in terms of points and results in the Bundesliga, the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League. BVB have only suffered two defeats to date this term. Now coach Niko Kovac's team are away to the Werkself on Saturday night, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET) in the top match on Bundesliga matchday 12. The two teams meet again three days later in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 tie in Dortmund. Two very competitive encounters are on the cards. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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The Bayer 04 Women clcoked up a 3-2 win in a friendly against Twente Enschede on Thursday afternoon in the last international break of 2025. In drizzle, Lilla Turanyi (16’), Kristin Kögel (65’) and Paulina Bartz (69’) scored the goals for the Werkself against the Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen leaders, who are still unbeaten in the league.
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