Head coach Peter Bosz reflected on that ahead of the game: "I don't think we can surprise each other any more. Above all, we saw in Berlin that Union are good opponents who are powerful and direct." The Werkself won the game in the second half of the season at the Alte Försterei Stadium 3-2 in the fourth minute of added time.
The team from Köpenick have been the most impressive of the newly promoted teams in the current Bundesliga campaign and they already have 30 points. The team coached by Urs Fischer have beaten Germania Halberstadt (6-0), Bundesliga side SC Freiburg (3-1) and SC Verl (1-0) in the DFB Cup. Now the Berliners are in the second cup quarter-final in the club's history against the Black and Reds, who are also enjoying a very successful this term.
Bosz sees one reason for the improvement of the Werkself in the second half of the season in the flexibility of his team – both from game to game as well as within a match. "I expect my players to read the game. Of course, we train every day and discuss everything. But in a game it can always happen that something else is suddenly required," said the Dutchman who will probably have to make do without captain Lars Bender for this game in addition to long-term injury Kevin Volland (ankle). Bosz: "We’re training this afternoon. But I don't think Lars will be able to join in."
Across all competitions, the Werkself have recentlyclocked up nine wins and one draw with only the Bundesliga clash at TSG Hoffenheim ending in defeat (1-2). Bayer 04 are not short of confidence. "If you also see how we played in those games – then it was very mature. You can say we've become more solid," said Bosz.
One unavoidable issue in professional football in recent weeks has been the debate about defamatory material in Germany's football grounds. Bayer 04 have adopted a clear position in this respect: The club, according to press officer Dirk Mesch, have great trust in their own fans as well as the supporters of Union Berlin that no such insulting banners will be seen at the BayArena. Criticism should be possible but always on a suitable and constructive basis. Bayer 04, Mesch continued, is in close contact with the DFB and fan representatives. In the event of any relevant incidents, Bayer 04 will adhere to the FIFA three-stage plan.
Match information:
Attendance: Bayer 04 expect 20,000 supporters at the BayArena
Broadcaster: Sport1, Sky (TV), Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: Benjamin Cortus (Röthenbach)
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
Show moreAlejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreThe friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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