"We are not taking an Olympian approach to the game at FC Bayern according to the motto 'It’s all about taking part.' We’re going there to get a result," said the 45-year old in determined mood ahead of the clash with the star-studded team of the record champions. "The quality of FC Bayern is beyond dispute. That makes it even more important to believe in our own strengths and try to put them into action as best we can."
Herrlich explained the foundations had been laid in the pre-season. "One of our targets in the past five weeks has been to get the team in top condition in terms of fitness." Following on from that, he referred to the recent impressive performance of his team in the 3-0 DFB Cup win at Karlsruher SC: "On a very heavy pitch, we succeeded in setting the tempo, dominating the game and finally earning the victory over 120 minutes. That shows the attitude of our group is absolutely right."
Although Kevin Kampl, Joel Pohjanpalo, Sven Bender, Julian Brandt and Jonathan Tah have had to ease off in training this week for a number of reasons, Heiko Herrlich is "cautiously optimistic that all of them will be fit and able to play." However, there is a major doubt about Kai Havertz who received a painful blow on the knee in last Friday's Cup match and has been sidelined ever since. Herrlich is also prepared for the absence of the youngster: "We’ll make up for missing players as best we can. There are several options both in terms of personnel and tactics." He will definitely have to make do without Tin Jedvaj (shin) and Lars Bender (rehab) for the trip to Munich .
The match away to FC Bayern is the first Bundesliga fixture for Heiko Herrlich as Bayer 04 head coach. He is happy to remember his first away match in Munich. As a 17-year-old, in a Werkself shirt, he came on as a substitute to replace goalscorer Marek Lesniak in the 1-0 win on 21 October 1989. "Of course, it will be a very pleasant experience to go and win the first match at Bayern Munich," added Herrlich. It would be good if history does repeat itself – this time on the touchline.
The Werkself will have the support of 3,700 fans in Munich.
The Nerazzurri are in town: Today, Tuesday 10 December, Bayer 04 entertain the reigning champions of Italy Inter Milan on Matchday 6 in the UEFA Champions League (kick-off: 21.00 CET/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). Read on for the latest information on the home game at the BayArena.
Show more
The Bayer 04 U19 team lost 1-0 to Inter Milan on the sixth and final matchday in the league phase of the UEFA Youth League 2024/25. The only goal of the game was scored just after the hour mark. While the side from North Italy have finished top in the league phase with a maximum points return, the Leverkusen team appeared to have just missed out on the knockout stages of the European competition. There is faint hope looking to several games to follow where results are needed to go the way of the Werkself.
Show more
Italian teams are known for being strong in defence. The fact that Inter Milan, the next opponents for the Werkself in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 10 December (kick-off: 20.45 CET), have not conceded a single goal in their last five matches is impressive. Will the visitors' keeper Yann Sommer be able to keep a clean sheet at the BayArena against Florian Wirtz and Co.? The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
The Werkself are away to Borussia Dortmund on Bundesliga Matchday 16. The game at the Signal Iduna Park on Friday, 10 January 2025, kicks off at 20.30 CET. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show more