As is usual for European games, an interpreter was at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday evening to translate the questions and answers from the participants. After the questions from the German journalists were answered, the members of the media from France had the chance to get statements from the Werkself. Both Jonathan Tah, whose father comes from the Ivory Coast, and Peter Bosz responded in French. “I played in Toulon for three years. Fortunately, I can still remember a lot from back then,” revealed Bosz.
The Dutchman focussed on the main event: the important Europa League match against Nice. “We want to win again and finish top of the group, ” the 56-year-old made clear. The 6-2 in the home game against French side “does look convincing. But Nice are a good team.” And the fact the chances of the hosts going through are minimal does not affect the targets for the Werkself. Bosz added: “We have to take the game seriously to get a good result. We have to be on the case one hundred per cent.”
Jonathan Tah is convinced about getting a “good” result at the end of 90 minutes at the Grand Stade De Nice. “Confidence is high of settling everything in Nice,” declared the Germany international. “We want to show the same desire and courage as in the home game.”
In addition to Tah and Bosz, a trio travelled to the Cote d’Azur who were unavailable for 0-0 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga. Nadiem Amiri, following his recovery from illness,and Karim Bellarabi, returning after a thigh injury, are back in the squad. In addition, Edmond Tapsoba also returns after his self-isolation last weekend following a positive coronavirus test.
Cem-Tuna Türkmen joins the first team squad for the first time. The 18-year-old has been at Bayer 04 since 2009 and is a versatile defender..
Match info:
Broadcasters: RTL Nitro, DAZN and Werks11 Radio
Referee: Maurizio Mariani (Italy)
Bayer 04 have comfortably reached the DFB Pokal second round thanks to a 4–0 victory away to Liga 3 side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Patrik Schick put the Werkself ahead in the first 45 in the first competitive match under head coach Carles Martínez with debuts for new signings Miguel Gutiérrez, Afonso Moreira and Facundo Medina. After the break, Lucas Vázquez (47'), Nathan Tella (69') and Christian Kofane (79') also found the back of the net.
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Today brings the first match of the season for the Werkself. Bayer 04 kick off the 2026/27 campaign today, Saturday 22 August, at 13:00 CEST with a first-round DFB Pokal tie away to third-tier side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. The 3,700 travelling fans can not only look forward to what will hopefully be a successful start to the season, but also now organise their journeys to Black and Reds games even more easily via the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Meanwhile, following two defeats at the start of the league season, SV Wehen are hoping to spring a surprise in the DFB Pokal tie. Today’s matchday news.
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Bayer 04 start the 2026/27 season away to third-division side SV Wehen Wiesbaden. Ahead of the DFB Pokal tie on Saturday 22 August (kick-off: 13:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez spoke at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. The topics: anticipation, passion, the fans’ support – and the captaincy for the new season.
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