The intensive battle in the Europa League has left its mark on the Black and Red squad. Gerardo Seoane at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon: "Up to now there are no announcements about new injuries. A few players had a couple of knocks yesterday so that the availability of certain players is not yet certain. We'll have to wait and see how good recovery is up to Sunday."
Striker Lucas Alario remains a doubt. The Argentinian was on the bench against Real Betis. "It's a bit of a balancing act with him." He's "been carrying physical problems around" for some time, added Seoane. The 29-year-old therefore had reduced training on Friday. "We're trying to do everything to see that our players remain fit and healthy – that's the most important thing. If there is progress with Lucas then he will be in the squad on Sunday."
Head coach Seoane expressed his satisfaction with the performance of his team against the side from Seville. "Yesterday was a good example of how all players play for the team, and how much defensive work the front players did too. That gives us an incredible boost."
The Swiss boss is expecting that same commitment for the Bundesliga clash with Hertha Berlin. In the side currently lying twelfth in the league, Seoane sees "a team that is extremely compact, strong in challenges and physical. We won't get much space and will therefore have to be fully committed in challenges."
For the first time this season, fans will again be permitted in the East Stand at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin for the game against the Werkself. A total of 37,500 spectators will be at the match in accordance with the 3G rule and Lukas Hradecky and Co. can look forward to the backing of around 1,000 Black and Red supporters in the stands – and everyone is hoping for another three points ahead of the international break.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
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New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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