Wolf ahead of #B04FCU: Score goals and remain solid

After the goalless draw for Leverkusen at Werder Bremen last Saturday and the move to the Lindner Hotel under the DFL team quarantine protocol during the week, the focus for Hannes Wolf and his team is fully on the forthcoming match against Union Berlin. One point would probably be enough to ensure the Black and Reds qualify for the Europa League but that will not be enough for the Bayer 04 coach: "The target is to qualify for the Europa League. This possible one point has not been discussed within the team. It's definitely not our ambition to go into the game with that attitude. We are at home, want to play on the front foot and will not give up the solidity we have built up. The primary aim is to score goals and win the game – that's our motivation," said the 40-year-old decisively.

Union tough opponents

The fact the Irons will not give up the three points on Saturday afternoon at the BayArena without a fight is clear to Wolf: "We know we're playing against a good team. Union are having a good season. They are very physical on the pitch and beyond that have developed their game. We have to be fully focused to win the match." In order to be able to beat the Fischer team, Wolf believes it is about "during the right conclusions from the Bremen game, taking all aspects into account to be completely on the case at 15.30 tomorrow."

Quality in depth

To leave the pitch as winners, it will be necessary to make better use of the chances than was the case in Bremen. The lack of efficiency in front of the opposition goal hurt the Werkself as much as the personnel situation being affected by the away game at Bremen. "We paid a heavy price in the first half at Bremen with the injury to Leon. He suffered a broken toe after three minutes and will not be able to play again this season. That is certain. And the cruciate injury to Daley Sinkgraven was very annoying," said an aggrieved Wolf but he immediately pointed out the quality of the squad at Bayer 04: "The good thing in the team is that we have a lot of great players. Even if lads are missing we can still put a great team on the pitch. It does hurt when players are sidelined but we still have a squad that can win a game for us."

Paulinho set to return to squad

That quality in depth is reflected, for example, in the midfield dynamo Paulinho. The 20-year-old Brazilian, who is training well and again after a long injury lay-off (torn cruciate), is according to Wolf, "a candidate for the squad."

Not the same without fans

In reference to the last match at the BayArena this season, where tens of thousands of Bayer 04 fans can normally celebrate the last home game of the season with the Werkself with the exception of last year, the lack of Black and Red supporters at the game came up at the press conference. "For example, Florian Wirtz has never played in front of a crowd full of Bayer 04 fans. Of course, the desire is great for the situation to return to normal with people being able to go out to experience football together. We miss people at the stadium, no question. I believe the teams have accepted matches behind closed doors and are making the best of it but we're missing the energy and the emotion of the fans."

Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werks11 Radio
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game