'We have to be prepared for a different atmosphere'

The target is clear. "It would be an achievement if a Leverkusen team beats RB Leipzig for the first time in the Bundesliga," said the Bayer 04 head coach ahead of the clash with the team promoted in 2016, with the Black and Reds having drawn once and lost twice in previous meetings. Hopefully tomorrow's away game will bring a first victory. However, the Werkself might not only have to overcome the impressive home form of their opponents. "Leipzig have experience of Monday games. It's a new situation for us and I've talked to the team about that," said the 46-year-old  before he moved on to talk about the fixture that has drawn great criticism from the fans: "We simply have to be prepared for an atmosphere that is different from any other Bundesliga game. We have to assume that it be completely quiet in the stadium and the game  will have more of a feeling of a friendly." In spite of it being the start of the week, around 1,000 Werkself supporters will make the 500 kilometre journey to Leipzig to support Herrlich and his players in a more or less empty Red Bull Arena. The coach believes it's time to think again about the introduction of Monday games: "The basic idea was to help out teams who play in the Europa League on Thursdays. But, of course, you have to take account of the fans. If the matches are completely boycotted then you have to have second thoughts and discuss it and that is absolutely clear. We all depend on the atmosphere and emotion in the stadiums."

remembering CHRISTOPH DAUM

Referring to tomorrow's opponents,  the Werkself coach is expecting, in spite of probable rotation due to their Europa League game in the week, to face a "very good Leipzig team. They will definitely be trying to beat us." At the same time, Herrlich is completely aware he is at the business end of the season and that results in the coming weeks will be decisive in sorting out positions. "Now we can compare ourselves with opponents who we want to be on equal terms with," said the Bayer 04 coach before expressing his anticipation about the forthcoming games against direct rivals and the DFB Cup semi-final: "The weight of expectation is a positive pressure and not negative as is the case with relegation battles where it's all about survival. I love to be in this sort of situation and the players should too. There's nothing better than coming out on top in such situations as a team."

Having failed to score in the last two matches, the Werkself are looking to put that right against Leipzig. "I've experienced dips in form in the past and it's important to believe in yourselves, look forward and keep trying to put the next ball into the net," said the former top goalscorer. "Here in Leverkusen was the origin the story of the vacuum cleaner salesman mentality," said Herrlich in recalling a previous motivational address from former coach Christoph Daum aimed at striker Ulf Kirsten who was going through a barren patch ("Like a vacuum cleaner salesman, who goes from house to house and keeps trying to seal the deal until it finally works out"). Herrlich believes it his his job as a coach to make it clear to his players that they have to keep trying to get shots on target.

LARS BENDER set to make COMEBACK

He's encouraged by the fact his team keeps succeeding in creating chances – as in the goalless draw against FC Augsburg. "We've worked very well  in training this week with great commitment. The players are very focused. And that makes us very optimistic heading for Leipzig," said Herrlich. Again it is important for him that every player works hard and tries to push himself to his limits. "Leipzig are a very good team. We'll have to give our all. If we can do that then I'm confident we can get a result – and possibly even pick up three points."

Herrlich will probably be able to call on his captain Lars Bender again just at the right time. "He's the captain and over the years he's shown quality and mentality he brings to the team. His greatest quality is his mentality. He has a huge influence on the team, is an absolute winner and he can bring on the others. He's enormously significant for us and we'll be happy to have him back in the side tomorrow, if possible."  Herrlich will have to manage without injured players Joel Pohjanpalo and Vlad Yurchenko plus the suspended Lucas Alario.