The intensive Europa League home game against Ferencváros (2-1) is still being processed as preparations begin for the clash with VfB. "Stuttgart play some very attractive football particularly at home," said the 42-year-old who highlighted the strength of the key players in midfield and attack. "We’ll definitely have to make a better start than we did against Ferencváros and we can't afford to give the opponents any space."
Due to the style of play of the Stuttgart team, but also in view of the plan to freshen up his own team, Gerardo Seoane is planning to make changes to his starting eleven in comparison with the win in the Europa League. Mitchel Bakker, Robert Andrich and Paulinho have all recently started in the Bundesliga but they were rested for the game against Ferencváros.
Exequiel Palacios will probably not be available. The Argentinian Copa America winner went off injured against Ferencváros on 50 minutes. "We are still waiting for the full info but I've seen his foot and it doesn't look good for Pala being an option on Sunday," The Swiss coach has the rest of his squad to choose from with the exception of long-term absentees Edmond Tapsoba, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Julian Baumgartlinger plus goalkeeper Niklas Lomb – and that includes Piero Hincapie.
The new signing from Ecuador made his debut for the Black and Reds on Thursday night. His head coach found words of praise for the 19-year-old at the press conference on Friday: "Piero has fitted in really quickly and ensured defensive stability. He's not that far away from a possible start."
A first choice in the starting line-up is Florian Wirtz – and that at the age of 18 and five months. The Pulheim-born midfielder netted against Ferencváros to bring his contribution to scoring this season to three goals and three assists in four games. Seoane, above all, values the ability of the number 27 to make "clear decisions in the final third" and by extension his strength in finishing. "Of course, we can count on that but we shouldn't rely on it," added the Swiss. He said other players with similar qualities like Amine Adli, Moussa Diaby, Nadiem Amiri and Paulinho can play a similar role in the team.
Match information:
Broadcasters: DAZN and Werkself Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the match
Tickets for the first two Bayer 04 women’s team home games are now on general sale. A week after their league opener away at RB Leipzig, Roberto Pätzold’s side will face last season’s runners-up, VfL Wolfsburg, in the first home fixture on Sunday 30 August (kick-off: 16:00 CEST). Fifteen days later, on Monday night, 14 September (kick-off: 18:00 CEST), the Leverkusen Women host German champions Bayern Munich at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for a top-of-the-table league clash. You can now also select specific seats via the online shop. The latest information on match ticket sales.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
Show more
Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.
Show more
The Shareholders’ Committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has extended the contracts of the two managing directors, Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, ahead of schedule. The CEO, Fernando Carro (62), will continue in his role until 30 June 2029, and managing director sport Simon Rolfes (44) will remain in post until 30 June 2031.
Show more
