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.
In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
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Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
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After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
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Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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Due to the last-minute postponement of the Bundesliga match between Hamburg and the Werkself on Tuesday, 13 January, Bayer 04 will reimburse the ticket price to all 3,500 fans who had already travelled to Hamburg as a sign of appreciation. The tickets remain valid for the rescheduled match (date not yet set).
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