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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

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