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.
Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.
Show more
Assistant coach Remzi Kahraman is leaving the Bayer 04 Women’s team with immediate effect to take up a new challenge abroad. The club has agreed to the 31-year-old’s request to leave, although his contract was originally due to run until 2027. A decision on his successor will be announced shortly.
Show more
At the U19 European Championship in Wales, the Germany U19 national team lost their third and final group match 4-0 to Spain. Several regulars, including Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan to SV Elversberg), who had combined for four goals and assists in the two previous victories, did not feature,. Germany had already secured their place in the semi-finals with a game to spare.
Show more
Two weeks into the preseason, the Bayer 04 Women have secured their first victory. Coach Roberto Pätzold’s team won their first friendly 2–0 against Bundesliga newcomers Mainz 05. In front of 160 spectators at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, the two summer signings, Maja Sternad (80’) and Justine Brandau (90’), scored for the Black and Reds.
Show more
