The members of the media at the press conference were particularly interested in Lucas Alario as he is set to be in the Werkself squad against Hamburg now that he has received permission to play from FIFA. "It's great news that we've been waiting a long time for," said Heiko Herrlich In commenting on his new option up front. "You can see he knows where the goal is," said the Werkself coach in summing up his impressions of Alario after watching him in full training over the past few weeks. "Lucas is a striker who is good on the ball, involves other players and is willing to cover back." However, as Herrlich explicitly emphasised, it is important not to put too much pressure on the new signing as has been in a completely new environment for just three weeks. "It's up to all the players to make the most of their chances up front and not just Lukas."
The spectators at the BayArena on Sunday may witness Alario's debut – and he could even start. "We'll think about it," said Herrlich who, after two energy-sapping performances, indicated his desire to rotate one or two positions. "That makes sense at the end of a busy week of fixtures regardless of the performances of the players," explained the head coach. At the same time, he's absolutely clear about the need to improve on the Berlin game. "We have to stop being careless," was Herrlich's appeal to the team. "We can't afford any more phases as against Hertha where we were less than vigilant." However, the head coach was optimistic that Bayer 04 will be capable of repeating the display in the previous home game against Freiburg in this weekend's match against HSV. "We are working on it very hard. It's a process of development but we're on the right path," said Herrlich. "We want to show greater concentration and sharpness against Hamburg."
Bayer 04 are still without Tin Jedvaj But the defender is doing well in his rehab following a hairline shin fracture. Youngster Kai Havertz and the skipper Lars Bender picked up knocks in the game in the capital but the chances are good that Heiko Herrlich will be able to call on their services on Sunday – and there will also be massed and loud support from the stands. Definitely a success factor as: Hamburg have not won at the BayArena since 2009 – a run that players and fans will be looking to continue on Sunday.
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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