The 29-year-old played for FC Basel for two years. During his time in Switzerland, Aleksandar Dragovic played five games in Bern with FCB. He was never on the losing side with four wins and one draw under his belt. “It can be a bit strange for the away team in the opening minutes. The ball moves very fast,” warned the experienced defender at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday evening. “But we can get used to the pitch tonight in the final training session. These new conditions could be an advantage with our style of play.”
Bayer 04 head coach Peter Bosz is also very familiar with artificial pitches. The 57-year-old coached the Dutch first division team Heracles Almelo from 2004 to 2006 and they also had an artificial pitch. “It won’t be a problem for us tomorrow,” Bosz added. He did suggest one or two players might not be in the starting eleven due to the possibility of injuries caused by the playing surface.”
One of those is the first choice keeper Lukas Hradecky. The Werkself number one recently suffered a problem with his heel and he had to to be substituted at half-time in the Bundesliga home game against FSV Mainz 05 (2-2). The Finn will again be replaced by Niklas Lomb as in the second half against Mainz. Bosz left the question unanswered of whether Hradecky will be available for Sunday’s game at FC Augsburg.
The Dutchman preferred to focus on the next opponents in the Europa League – and they are a force to be reckoned with. Young Boys won the Swiss league for past three years and last year lifted the domestic cup. And in the current campaign the team under head coach Gerardo Seoane are forging ahead in Switzerland. After 20 league games, the lead over second-placed Basel is already 16 points. “I’m particularly impressed by the consistency of the team,” Bosz declared.
Central defender Dragovic added in relation to the strengths of YB: “They have played a very physical game since Adi Hütter was in charge (2015 to 2018, ed.). In addition, they are incredibly quick in attack. They have some real live wires. But they always take risks. And we have to be ready for that.”
Match information:
Broadcasters: DAZN and Werks11 Radio
Referee: Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended youngster Montrell Culbreath's contract once again. Having only signed a deal with the Bundesliga club until 30 June 2030 in January, still as an U19 player, the attacking midfielder, who's since established himself in the first-team squad, has penned a new contract valid until 30 June 2031. Culbreath joined the Werkself academy in 2023 and made 16 first-team appearances in the 2025/26 season in the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and Champions League, scoring one goal.
Show more
Ecuador international Piero Hincapie, who moved to Arsenal FC on loan from Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the 2025/26 season, will join the English champions permanently on 1 July 2026.
Show more
The date and kick-off time for Bayer 04’s match in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal have been confirmed. The Werkself face SV Wehen Wiesbaden on Saturday afternoon, 22 August, at 13:00 CEST. The German Football Association (DFB) announced this today, Wednesday. The Pokal tie against the Hessen state cup winners will be played at the BRITA Arena. Ticket information to follow at a later date.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro will lead a club delegation to Brazil from July 2-6 for a program of partner engagement, community activities and football development initiatives across São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract of promising striker Amy Wrigge on a long-term basis. The 18-year-old Germany U19 international, currently recovering from a torn cruciate in her left knee, has signed a new contract to 30 June 2029.
Show more
