An interesting fact: Herrlich made his first professional appearance in August 1989 for Bayer 04 against KSC. That match ended in a 1-1 draw with the 17-year-old Herrlich coming on for Marek Lesniak with ten minutes to play. Almost 28 years later, the Werkself coach described the excitement felt by himself and his players ahead of the opening match of the season. "I'm really looking forward to it and I feel the team can hardly wait to get started," said Herrlich.
Everyone at Leverkusen is aware KSC are tough opponents for the first round of the cup competition. In spite of the many changes since relegation from the second division last season – 26 departures, 20 rivals – the team from Baden are definitely amongst the best the third division has to offer. "Karlsruher have a good squad with some great individual players who mostly come from the performance centres at professional clubs. The gap between the Bundesliga and the third division is not that big in general. Anything's possible in games like this," warned Herrlich. However, the coach is convinced the Werkself, who set off for Karlsruhe straight after afternoon training with the support of some 1,000 fans, will approach the game in serious mood determined to reach the second round.
"The players know it's down to them. Important thing is for us to approach the game fully focused with the absolute desire to win. And then we'll succeed in that endeavour," said Herrlich who has to do without long-term injury Tin Jedvaj and the skipper Lars Bender (ankle injury). All other players, including Confed cup participants and the U21 European Champion Dominik Kohr, are in "great shape" according to Herrlich.
That will be definitely be needed against the strong third division side (DFB Cup winners in 1955 and 1956) if Bayer 04 want to progress in the domestic cup competition. "You can get to the final in a few games in the Cup. That's our aim at the end of the day. But first we have to overcome the first hurdle. We are fully focused on Karlsruher and we definitely want to win the first game to get the season off to a good start," declared Herrlich setting out his stall and he announced – according to the current state of fitness – he was able to field the best possible side. So everything is set up for a successful start to the season in Black and Red.
“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
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The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
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Paulina Tomasiak’s maiden Bundesliga goal helped Bayer 04 Women to their second away victory of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Bundesliga as Roberto Pätzold’s side won 2-1 at Hoffenheim on Matchday 3. Loreen Bender had scored inside two minutes on Friday evening before the hosts levelled, but Tomasiak came off the bench to secure all three points at the Dietmar-Hopp-Stadion.
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