'We want to show we can do better.'

After an unsatisfactory start to the season in terms of results, Bayer 04 are determined to turn the positives of recent weeks into points in front of their own fans. "I've spoken to several players this week," reported Herrlich. "The feeling was clear: We want to show we can do better." The slips in concentration that led to goals being conceded unnecessarily were worked on over the week and greater focus placed on set pieces. Up front on Sunday, Bayer 04 will "try to be flexible and get through to the last third of the pitch. We've succeeded in doing that recently," said Herrlich. "Then we've got to take the chances we create."

Lucas Alario will not be available on Sunday. Bayer 04 are still waiting for the Argentinian new signing to get permission to play. Herrlich will also be without Tin Jedvaj who is currently making good progress in rehab after suffering a hairline fracture to his shin. Otherwise, the head coach has the rest of the squad to choose from: Players like Jonathan Tah and Sven Bender have recovered well from knocks at the weekend and new signing Panos Retsos took part in full training at the start of the week. The 19-year-old could make his debut in Black and Red against Freiburg. "He made a very good impression and is absolutely an option for the starting line-up," said Herrlich in praise of the Greece defender.

Jonas Boldt takes his place on the bench

There will be another first on the touchline: Jonas Boldt, sporting manager at Bayer 04, will take his place alongside the coaches and support the team from the sidelines. This move is in response to a request from Herrlich as the Bayer 04 coach revealed: "I made the suggestion during our training camp and I think having Jonas as an additional person and observer will make things easier." That was not possible earlier because of the recently closed transfer window. The Bayer 04 sporting manager will now be able to contribute to a successful home performance from close to the action against Freiburg.

The fact the match against a former club – Herrlich was at SC Freiburg for three years before his move to Leverkusen in 1989 – will not be easy is clear to the Bayer 04 coach. "Freiburg have all the qualities needed for successful football today. We need a top performance to achieve our target." A target the team is focused on: With the support of around 26,000 fans expected at the BayArena, Bayer 04 players and coaches are looking to celebrate first home victory of the campaign on Sunday afternoon.