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.
For a long time, it looked like Bayer 04 would claim their first Bundesliga victory of the season, but the Werkself were frustrated after the final whistle. The 3-3 draw away at Werder Bremen left the players with long faces and disappointed reactions. The Werkself review
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Bayer 04 are still without a win in the Bundesliga after two games following a 3-3 draw away at Werder Bremen. Leverkusen had gone 2-0 up through Patrik Schick and Malik Tillman, before Romano Schmid’s penalty prior to half-time. Schick’s own spot-kick restored the two-goal advantage in the second half as Werder were reduced to 10 men, but Isaac Schmidt got the hosts back into it again before Karim Coulibaly’s added-time equaliser.
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UEFA have confirmed the fixture list for the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.
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Bayer 04 make their second attempt at picking up their first three points of this Bundesliga season as they visit Werder Bremen on Saturday. The hosts may be struggling with injuries and reeling from back-to-back defeats to kick off the campaign, but they’ll want to put that right in their first home outing. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the match, which kicks off at 3.30pm CEST.
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