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.
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
Show more
On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
Show more
Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
Show more
Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
Show more
