Back
24.10.2016DFB-Pokal

'We’re expecting a real cup atmosphere'

The next game comes up in this busy run of fixtures. Just three days after the disappointing 3-0 defeat against TSG Hoffenheim, the Werkself face the next challenge in the current campaign. Head coach Roger Schmidt takes his team to newly promoted third division side Sportfreunde Lotte in the second round of the DFB Cup. The game at the Frimo stadium kicks off at 18.30 CET on Tuesday night.
© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Schmidt was again asked about the incident with Julian Nagelsmann during Saturday’s Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim when he spoke to the media at Monday’s press conference at the BayArena. “I have already talked about that and apologised to my fellow coach,” said Schmidt: “Now, I’ll wait for the verdict and focus on leading a good final pre-match training session.”

The Werkself are keen to show what they are made of in the DFB Cup. Bayer 04 played Lotte in the first round of the cup last season – when they were a Regional League side – and ran out 3-0 winners. Schmidt and his men will be looking for a similar success tomorrow. However, the coach knows it will not be a walk in the park. “Lotte have started the season well. Last season the pitch was no carpet and then you’ve got the floodlights on top of that. We’re expecting a real cup atmosphere,” said the coach 3:0.

He will be without the services of captain Lars Bender as well as Ömer Toprak after both picked up slight muscle injuries against Hoffenheim, “we hope they will be available for Saturday, “said Schmidt. On top of that, youngsters Julian Brandt and Benjamin Henrichs are both rested after playing so many games in recent weeks and they will not be in the squad.

© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Related News

Estrella Merino Gonzalez
Women - 11.07.2025

First goal for Fudalla: Women's friendly against Zwolle ends all square

The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').

Show more
Bayer 04
eSports - 11.07.2025

#B04eSports: Landwehr cousins Landwehr agree two-year extension

Continuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.

Show more
Bayer 04-Fans im Gästeblock
Bayer 04 - 10.07.2025

Information on ticket sales for 2025/26 away games

An average of over 3,500 fans supported the Werkself at away games last season. Looking forward to the 2025/26 season, Bayer 04 now provide information on ticket sales for away games. The previous 0 sales phase is being replaced by the Regulars phase.

Show more
Bundesliga-Spielball 2025/26
Bundesliga - 10.07.2025

DFL schedules matchdays 1 to 5 – Friday night game against Eintracht Frankfurt

The German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the details for the first five matchdays in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Read on for details of the fixtures.

Show more