New captain Charles Aránguiz and his teammates have had about one and a half weeks to prepare. An unusually short length of time to get a team ready for a new campaign. "But the players who were here last season know how we want to play," Peter Bosz explained on Friday afternoon at the first press conference for several months in front of members of the media – although they were subject to strict hygiene regulations.
The illustrious circle of people who have taken in the demanding tactical ideas of the Dutchman includes Lennart Grill. The goalkeeper and former Kaiserslautern player has been training at Leverkusen since the middle of July. That means only Patrik Schick will have to get used to a new way of playing. The central striker joined the Werkself this week from AS Roma – and it seems highly likely that he will be included in the squad for Sunday. Bosz on the Czech Republic international: "He's only trained twice up to now. But what I've seen has been good – so he could play a role."
Schick will be at the BayArena a few days after his arrival. That also applies to 300 spectators who will be able to support the Werkself live for the first time in over six months. "It's a first step. Even though there are only 300 – I'm happy for every single fan," said Bosz. "It's much more fun playing in front of a crowd at a stadium. It's all part of it and it's a huge factor."
The spectators on Sunday will not be able to see Leon Bailey. The Jamaican is still waiting for test results after his time in quarantine in his home country. If they are negative then the 23 year-old will be allowed to travel to Germany. Meanwhile, Paulinho is working on his comeback. The Brazilian suffered a torn cruciate in the week before the DFB Cup final.
As it stands, Bosz will have the rest of his players to choose from on Sunday. Whoever the Dutchman finally chooses for the squad against Eintracht – the target has already been clearly defined: "We will take it seriously. Norderstedt deserve this game but it's one we have to win. The match is also important in respect of getting ready for the new campaign."
Match information:
Broadcasters: Sky and Werks11 Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The match officials will be announced on the day of the game
Attendance: 300
The Werkself conceded a late goal to suffer the third defeat of the season in Monday night's Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga fixture on matchday ten. Coach Roberto Pätzold's team lost 2-1 at SC Freiburg. Vanessa Fudalla (65’) scored the only goal for Bayer 04 who are now fifth in the table on 19 points.
Show more
Bayer 04 midfielder Ibrahim Maza was honoured in Paris in the Best Algerian Young Player category at the Fennec d'Or awards for the Algerian Footballer of the Year, organised for the first time by the football journal La Gazette du Fennec. "It's an honour for me," said the 19-year-old, delighted with the award.
Show more
On the back of two wins within four days, Bayer 04 Women round off an intensive Bundesliga week in the Black Forest. Roberto Pätzold's side have the chance to move back up to third place against SC Freiburg in the final fixture of Matchday 10 on Monday (18:00 CET) and draw level on points with second-placed VfL Wolfsburg.
Show more
The last international break of this calendar year features the final qualifying matches for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. An overview of who's playing where and when from a Leverkusen point of view.
Show more
