"The players were very self-critical after the defeat. We know we didn't play well. We've analysed the game, identified the mistakes and worked on what we need to do better next time. There has to be a reaction! But those are just words – we have to perform on the pitch tomorrow," said the head coach.
After the match at FC Köln and ahead of the encounter with the Old Lady, the dismissals of Aleksandar Dragovic (two yellows) and Leon Bailey (a straight red) were the subject of much discussion amongst the players: "It was just daft of us – above all that Leon has been sent off twice within such a short space of time. Anybody who knows him will also know he's normally not like that. He’s not the type to just hit an opponent," said Bosz about the 22-year-old who has been suspended for three league games and also fined €20,000. "We were angry and disappointed," Bosz made clear, "he has to learn from his mistakes. With the benefit of hindsight, we have to help the player." Dragovic and Bailey are both unavailable for the game against Hertha as are the injured Mitchell Weiser and Joel Pohjanpalo.
The approach to the final home game of the year is clear: "We want to take all three points at home to Hertha. We can't afford to let our heads drop because of a bad game at FC Köln. We've played some good football in the first half of the season and, at times, won points where others might not have expected it. On the other hand, there were also games I wasn't happy with where we should have won. I'm not completely satisfied," said the Dutchman an assessment of the season to date. That makes it even more important to end the year with two wins.
And the Werkself are looking to start with a victory against the club from the capital tomorrow. How Hertha will line-up at the BayArena under new coach Jürgen Klinsmann, who won the World Cup in 1990 along with Rudi Völler, is not yet clear to the Werkself coach. "A new coach often works on the system or rotates a lot. Klinsmann has tried different things." Therefore, it's particularly important to focus on our own game. In the second packed week of fixtures in succession, it will be important to manage the work rate. "The second day after a game is hardest for the players. In our experience, it's much better 24 hours later. We'll be able to give our all tomorrow."
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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