Back
6.12.2019Bundesliga

'We've worked well'

The Werkself entertain third-placed Schalke 04 on Saturday 7 December at the BayArena (kick-off: 18.30 CET, live on Werks11-Radio and live text commentary at bayer04.de). Following the last normal week, this home game marks the start of the run-in to the end of the year with two busy weeks in succession.

Ahead of the run-in and the important game against the Royal Blues, who are just three points ahead, Peter Bosz has used the past few quiet days, to enable "several players to wind down so that they are fit and fresh for the next games. We've worked well."

A new pitch has been laid at the BayArena in the last week – that means the Werkself play Schalke on a completely new surface. "We are a team who like to have possession and get forward quickly with few touches of the ball so it’s incredibly important that we have a good pitch. We trained on the new pitch yesterday and first impressions were good," said the head coach.

Another good precondition for the home game is last Saturday’s sensational victory in Munich that still resonates: "The team showed they can only play possession football but also work well against the ball, be quick in transition and very dangerous with the pace shown getting forward," said Bosz. He has been particularly impressed by the battling quality of his team. "We were lucky too – without doubt – but we showed character and mentality. And we also need to show that against Schalke 04. We know it won't be an easy game. But we want to win – particularly at home!"

Schalke 04, of all the current Bundesliga teams, have only collected fewer points against FC Bayern (0.8) than they have against the Werkself (1.1) and are currently third in the table – "if you're at the top after 13 games then you must have done a lot of things right," said the Dutchman who rightly pointed out that Bayer 04 would draw level on points at the weekend with a win. The route to the target is: Play quick passes, manage with a few touches the ball and have good positional play. As "Schalke are a team that plays with aggression and tries to constantly press the ball. We won't have long on the ball."

Bosz has all the players at his disposal who were available for the game against FC Bayern with the exception of the suspended Jonathan Tah. Only Mitchell Weiser and Joel Pohjanpalo are still ruled out through injury.

Match info:
Referee: Harm Osmers
TV broadcaster: Sky
Tickets: Bayer 04 are expecting a capacity crowd at the BayArena

 

Related News

Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at SC Freiburg
Werkself-TV - 20.09.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at SC Freiburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-1 win at SC Freiburg on Matchday 5 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04RBL
Bundesliga - 19.09.2026

Matchday news: Wide range of activities on Family Matchday

Calling Bayer 04 families – this matchday is all yours! As part of the Family Matchday on Sunday 20 September, not only will the Werkself take on RB Leipzig at 15:30 CEST but there will also be a variety of activity zones for young and old alike be set up around the BayArena. What’s more, genuine Bayer 04 rarities await Black and Red fans at the Fantrödel flea market. By taking part in the fan travel survey, Leverkusen supporters can help the club gather important information and even win a jersey before the Werkself hit the ground running against Leipzig on the pitch. The matchday news for RB Leipzig game.

Show more
RB Leipzig beim Torjubel
Bundesliga - 19.09.2026

Our next opponents: Leipzig, strong at home, looking to improve away form

It has been a mixed start to the season for RB Leipzig. The team from Saxony have a flawless record at home but are less successful on the road to date. RBL are looking to change that in their away fixture at the BayArena on Sunday, 20 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). However, head coach Martin Demichelis will have to manage without a number of key players. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Paulina Tomasiak
Women - 18.09.2026

‘Good positional play and risk management’: Women aiming for third win of the season in Freiburg

With a flawless away record under their belts, the Bayer 04 women’s team travel to SC Freiburg. On Sunday 20 September (16:00 CEST), coach Roberto Pätzold’s side will be aiming for three points again, six days after their narrow defeat to Bayern Munich. The Werkself have emerged victorious from both of their away fixtures so far this season.

Show more