The club from Saarland are the first fourth division side in the history of the DFB Cup to go through to the last four. The team under head coach Lukas Kwasniok knocked out Bundesliga clubs Fortuna Düsseldorf and FC Köln, and the second division sides Jahn Regensburg and Karlsruher SC. "You have to show respect – and we'll do that. Nevertheless, we obviously want to go through to the cup final," declared Bayer 04 head coach Peter Bosz at today's virtual pre-match press conference.
As with all the games since the restart after the break enforced by the coronavirus pandemic, this match will be played behind closed doors at the stadium in Völklingen. "The conditions were the same at the weekend against FC Bayern. Of course, this top game deserves to have spectators. But the fans are missing this time," said Bosz who does see it as a positive that his team have already played five league games under these circumstances. The Dutchman added: "I think it's an advantage for us not to have a crowd tomorrow. In a full stadium, every attack and every time they're in possession would get the home fans going and that helps the players. That won't be the case tomorrow."
As in the 4-2 defeat against FC Bayern, Kai Havertz will not be in the squad tomorrow due to muscle problems. "The game has come too early. Kai won't be in the squad. He could play but then we would be taking a certain risk. We don't want to do that. We hope he'll make progress over the next few days so he can play again on Sunday. But we’ll have to wait and see," Bosz said in relation to the forward.
Also sidelined are the left-back Daley Sinkgraven (foot) and the captain Lars Bender. The latter is back on the training ground but still has to make his return to full training after coming back from injury. In addition, winger Leon Bailey will not travel.
As a matter of principle, Bosz is looking to field his strongest possible side against the fourth division team and rank outsiders. "We won't be using this semi-final to give players a chance who haven't had much time on the pitch," declared the Dutchman: "We want to use this semi-final to get to the final."
Asked about the last club title for Bayer 04, the DFB Cup win in 1993, Bosz said: "The fact we’re talking about that time again shows how important it is to win titles. 1993 was a long time ago and that's why the players, us as coaches and the club want to win titles. The DFB Cup is an opportunity to do that and that means we have to go through tomorrow."
Match info:
Broadcaster: ARD, Sky and Werkself Radio (bayer04.de)
Referee: The referee will be announced on the day of the game.
Bayern Munich come to the BayArena this Saturday with an 11-point lead in the Bundesliga as they look to take a step closer to the title. As imperious as they may seem, a weakness has emerged of late that the Werkself proved they can exploit in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the Champions League. Leverkusen are also looking to make it four Bundesliga home games unbeaten against the Bavarians. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the 15:30 CET kick-off in our matchday news.
Show more
Another home game, another top opponent - another marker? Three days after their convincing performance in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg, Bayer 04 continue their Bundesliga campaign with an equally high-calibre fixture. Matchday 26 sees league leaders Bayern Munich visit the sold-out BayArena. Ahead of the clash, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about a comparison between Arsenal and the Bavarians, Bayern's high-scoring performance in Europe's premier club competition and a return to the squad for one Werkself player.
Show more
High spirits and previously untold stories: Around 100 Bayer 04 fans packed the Schwadbud fan pub in the east stand of the BayArena on Thursday evening to be there in person for the first instalment of the new series of events entitled “Rudi lädt ein” (Rudi invites you). They listened intently as long-serving Werkself players Gonzalo Castro and Stefan Kießling chatted with record appearance-maker Rüdiger Vollborn and presenter and stadium announcer Tobias Ufer about their many years together at the club, shared amusing anecdotes and revealed dressing room secrets. Anyone who missed the premiere can already look forward to the second instalment – on 12 May, Rudi will be testing the expert knowledge of Bayer 04 fans during a quiz night.
Show more
The Bundesliga home game against VfL Wolfsburg in the first half of the season was one of those classic ‘days to forget’ for Bayer 04 Women. It started with goalkeeper Charlotte Voll being shown a red card in the first minute of the game, and following a further sending-off, coach Roberto Pätzold's 9-women side ended up losing 5-1 to last season's runners-up. At 18.30 CET on Sunday, they'll have the chance to exact revenge at the AOK Stadium - and pick up valuable points in the race for third place.
Show more
They're well on their way to becoming German champions for the 35th time and once again proved their incredible class in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday. This Saturday, 14 March (kick-off: 15.30 CET), Bayern Munich will be the visitors to the BayArena. It'll be a meeting of the two Bundesliga teams with the most dominant styles of play. A look at our opponents shows the visitors from the Bavarian capital have many strengths - but are also vulnerable.
Show more
