'Solid at the back, take our chances up front'

Julian Baumgartlinger is not one to mince his words. Ahead of the season run-in and the remaining five games for the Werkself, the captain of the Austria national team issued a clear statement referring to himself and his team-mates. "We have to look to win every game and we want to take the first step at Freiburg," said the midfielder ahead of Sunday' s clash (15.30 CET). Freiburg has recently proved to be a fertile hunting ground for Bayer 04. In the last eight away meetings, including the DFB Cup tie in December 2013, the Werkself have clocked up five wins, two draws and one defeat. Leverkusen have not conceded in five of the last six Bundesliga matches in Freiburg.

A repeat of defensive solidity on Sunday fits in with the approach of Tayfun Korkut with the Werkself not conceding in the first half of any of the previous seven competitive matches under the new coach. "We have succeeded in creating stability in recent weeks and that is important. On the other hand, there is room for improvement in converting chances. But we've shown against top teams like Bayern, Leipzig and Hoffenheim that we can create chances for ourselves," said the Werkself head coach at the pre-match press conference at the media centre at the BayArena. And Korkut also set out the mission statement for Sunday: "Solid at the back, take our chances up front."

Freiburg flying high

The Werkself boss is also well aware that the opposition are enjoying a very impressive season since returning to the top flight this term. "Freiburg again and again perform to their full potential. The dynamic of the team is admirable, the side is full of running and passion. And I'm also impressed about the way Freiburg quickly get over clear defeats and get going again," said Korkut who was again asked about his view of the table with a four-point gap to seventh as well as sixteenth position. "The situation is unclear for lots of teams at the moment. We are looking to improve our position in every game," said the Bayer 04 coach.

Chicharito set to make comeback

Bayer 04 will again be without the suspended Hakan Calhanoglu, injured skipper Lars Bender and Jonathan Tah. The central defender has made progress this week but is only training on his own. "Jona will be back in full training as soon as possible," said Korkut. Tin Jedvaj is not an option in defence as the Croat is serving a one-match ban after being sent off against Bayern. On the plus side, the Leverkusen strike force is strengthened: Chicharito is set to make his comeback after a muscle injury. "He's completely recovered from his injury and is available for selection," said Korkut.

The Werkself will have the support of over 1,000 fans at Freiburg on Sunday. Korkut said: "It's a good number for a Sunday match and it demonstrates our supporters value the passion and mentality we showed on the pitch against Bayern. We want to repay their support at Freiburg,"