The team under head coach Peter Bosz have four days to go before the return to picking up points in the Bundesliga. The Black and Red squad have been based at the Hotel Große Ledder in Wermelskirchen since Monday night and have only left the site for training sessions at Bismarckstraße. The seven-day quarantine is required by the hygiene and health and safety concept of the DFL and a precondition for resuming the Bundesliga campaign. “I’m confident about the DFL concept. And everybody who had second thoughts about starting to play again has always had an answer,” said Tah in an online press conference.
The first weeks after the suspension of play at the start of March saw the Germany international and his teammates train at home. Tah and Co. returned to the training ground on 1 April, albeit in small groups at first. The Werkself have only been back in full training since 7 May. But the short run-in to the restart is not worried ahead of the restart. “In my opinion, every single player, who calls themselves a professional, should behave accordingly. That involves a healthy diet, good regeneration and professional training,” said Tah. “We had a lot of time in the break to do preventive work and get ready for the restart. So I’m in good shape.”
The central defender sees himself and the other Bundesliga players obliged to adhere to the hygiene and health and safety regulations. Tah adds: “We have a great responsibility; people at home and abroad will be watching us. Of course, you feel a bit of pressure. But we should be proud of being in a position to start again. This time has made you aware of things you’ve taken for granted in the past and value them much more.”
With a few days to go before the league restart, it is time for return of anticipation for the forthcoming games. “Even though the fans won’t unfortunately be there, our targets remain the same as before the games were suspended,” declared the 1.95 metre giant. You have to try and maintain commitment in training sessions and simulate the games coming up as best we can. Tah believes he will gradually come to terms with playing behind closed doors, “but I don’t want to get used to it.”
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
Show more
Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
