"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 Norway U23 international Julie Jorde has completed the move from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Brøndby IF. The twelve-time champions of Denmark have signed the midfielder on permanent terms after her loan move from the Bundesliga to Denmark in the winter.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the Senegalese central defender Abdoulaye Faye. The 20-year-old joins the Bundesliga side from Swedish top-flight club BK Häcken. Faye has penned a contract at Leverkusen to 30 June 2030.
Show moreThe German Football League (DFL) has published the fixture list for the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign. Bayer 04 start the new season with a home game against TSG Hoffenheim. The first away game for the Werkself is at Werder Bremen. The final Bundesliga fixture is on 16 May 2026 against newly promoted Hamburg SV with a 15:30 CEST kick-off at the BayArena.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have given offensive player Paulina Bartz a long-term contract. The 20-year-old has penned a new deal to 30 June 2027.
Show moreGermany international Florian Wirtz has been voted Bayer 04 ‘Player of the Season’ for the second time in a row. The 21-year-old, who will play for Premier League champions Liverpool next season, received more than half of all votes cast in the annual poll organised by Bayer 04.
Show more