Bayer 04 relaid the pitch at the BayArena during the international break and the Werkself tested it out for the first on Wednesday afternoon during the final pre-match training session. “We need a good surface for our possession football. That could be to our advantage tomorrow,” declared Peter Bosz at the pre-match press conference.
Players unable to enjoy the new surface on Thursday night include long-term absentees through injury Charles Aránguiz, Santiago Arias, Exequiel Palacios and Paulinho plus a defensive trio: Edmond Tapsoba is still self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, Lars and Sven Bender are also sidelined due to injury. “With all three, it’s too early to say if they will be fit for the weekend” said Bosz, who has again brought U19 striker Emrehan Gedikli into his squad.
“I’m expecting an intensive and good game,” said winger Leon Bailey who was also on the top table in the media centre at the BayArena. Like several of his teammates, the Jamaican returned from national duty a few days ago. Given the current number of games for the players, head coach Bosz highlighted the importance of easing workloads on Wednesday ahead of the forthcoming double-fixture weeks.
One option for the Dutchman, already used against Be’er Sheva, is Patrik Schick. After four weeks out injured, the Czech joins Lucas Alario as a possible starter in the centre of the attack. Bosz added: “But perhaps he could come on. We’ll build him up step-by-step.”
The Werkself will want to continue their winning run against Israeli teams in Europe against Be’er Sheva with a fourth victory over teams from that country – and put themselves another three points clear of the other teams in Group C. “Our group is very exciting. All four teams have already won and we’re all bunched together in the table. If we win tomorrow – and we have to at home – we’ll take a big step,” said Bosz.
Match information:
Broadcasters: RTL Nitro, DAZN and Werks11 Radio
Referee: Pawel Gil (Poland)
With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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Together with his family, friends and close associates, Bayer 04 Leverkusen bid farewell to Peter Hermann. The club’s long-serving assistant manager passed away on 19 September following a serious illness. Today, Thursday 8 October, Bayer 04 held an event attended by around 200 invited guests to commemorate Peter Hermann’s legacy. Representatives from the DFB and the other professional clubs where Hermann worked paid their respects to him at the BayArena.
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