Back
21.09.2020Bundesliga

What the papers say: "Clever decision" by Bosz

Room for improvement was the unanimous view of the media after the first game of the Bundesliga season with particular reference to the Werkself. But there were also positive points. What the papers say about #WOBB04.
20200920_wobb04_OMG_9878.jpg

Before the game, Patrik Schick was in a probable starting eleven both on paper and on screen. The fact that Werkself coach Peter Bosz did not play the new signing from the start is seen by kicker as a "clever decision." At the end of the day, the striker had only trained "since last Wednesday in Leverkusen after spending ten days at home in self-isolation without any sporting activity."

According to the EXPRESS, the Werkself match at VfL went through a warm-up phase. "The match in front of the 500 permitted spectators at the Wolfsburg Arena needed time to get going," reports the journal. Even though Bayer 04 "endeavoured to take control of the game from start", there was "an absence of penetration in attack."

"He was involved when something surprising happened"

The Süddeutsche Zeitung highlights the performance of Florian Wirtz, "who since the start of June has been the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Bundesliga and on 25 minutes he had the first chance of the game after a one-two with Moussa Diaby." Overall, the 17-year-old produced a "notable" performance.

That assessment concurs with the view of the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger in its individual analysis. "He was involved whenever something surprising happened," praised the newspaper. For a long time, the biggest threat came from the youngest and slightest-built member of the Bayer team."

"The first important point"

Bayer 04 had their best chances in the second half. "It could have ended in a Bayer victory," reports the BILD. "Diaby was denied by the VfL keeper Casteels (64'). And the substitute (…) new signing Schick (…) put a header over the bar (83')."

The fact the game ended in a goalless draw was not seen by the Rheinische Post as dropped points for the Werkself. "Even if the result doesn't sound like it," the RP begins their match report, "the 0-0 draw at Wolfsburg could be the first important point for Bayer Leverkusen in the race for the Champions League positions."

Related News

Bayer 04 Women suffer narrow defeat to Wolfsburg | 2nd matchday
Werkself-TV - 30.08.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 1-2 loss against VfL Wolfsburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-2 loss against VfL Wolfsburg on the 2nd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.

Edmond Tapsoba und Christian Kofane vor der Kurve
Bundesliga - 30.08.2026

Werkself review #ELVB04: ‘Do much, much better next week’

In the 3-2 defeat at Bundesliga newcomers SV 07 Elversberg, the Werkself found the back of the net in the closing stages and, with a bit of luck, could still have equalised. “Today, our play wasn’t good enough, particularly when it came to the basics,” said head coach Carles Martínez. Like the boss, Ibrahim Maza also wants to learn from the match and look ahead: “Next week, people should be able to see from the very first minute that we want it more than our opponents.” The Werkself review on the Bundesliga opener in 2026/27.

Show more
Patrik Schick
Bundesliga - 29.08.2026

Werkself lose 3-2 at Elversberg despite late comeback in Bundesliga opener

No points to start the league campaign: Bayer 04 lost 3-2 away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg in the first Bundesliga match of the 2026/27 campaign. Two quick-fire goals from Lukas Petkov (8’) and Cole Campbell (10’) gave the hosts an early lead, before David Mokwa scored the Saarland side’s third shortly after half-time (46’). In the closing stages, the Werkself rallied and staged a late comeback with goals from Patrik Schick (77’) and Christian Kofane (90+1’), but the Black and Reds were denied an equaliser.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #ELVB04
Bundesliga - 29.08.2026

Matchday news #ELVB04: Bundesliga opener against newcomer with strong attack

The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..

Show more
Autogrammstunde
Bayer 04 - 28.08.2026

Fanwelt event following UEL draw: Autograph session with Culbreath and Sergio

The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.

Show more