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.
The season card waiting list, introduced by Bayer 04 last season, is open to Bayer 04 Club members. Read on for further information.
Show moreThe Werkself training camp officially began early on Tuesday morning with the landing in Rio de Janeiro. Ahead of the first session in the afternoon local time, bayer04.de profiles the talented youngsters from the youth teams who have travelled to Brazil.
Show moreThe welcome in Brazil could not have been more fitting: Paulo Sergio, with a small Bayer 04 delegation, welcomed the Werkself to Rio de Janeiro on the beach in front of the team hotel on Tuesday morning local time. Under clear blue skies, players, coaches and staff joined together for a group photo and then it was off to the rooms and breakfast. Shortly after the Werkself arrived, club legend Paulo Sergio, who will accompany the Werkself over the coming days, talked bayer04.de about these emotional moments for him.
Show morePreparations for the 2025/26 season are in full swing with the new head coach Erik ten Hag working for the start of the season in the middle of August. After the timings for the first matchdays in the forthcoming Bundesliga season were confirmed a few days ago, we now provide information on the first sale phase for match tickets. The early booker phase, exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members, brings some changes. Read on for further information.
Show moreBayer 04 are away to SG Sonnenhof Großaspach in the first round of the 2025/26 DFB Pokal. The match is on Friday, 15 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST) at the WIRmachenDRUCK Arena. Read on for the latest ticket information.
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