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)

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.
Show more
The Bayer 04 women’s team secured a win in the friendly during the international break. Without a total of eight international players, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team defeated Bundesliga 2 side Borussia Mönchengladbach 3–1 at the Kurtekotten Training Centre, thanks to goals from Lobke Loonen (1’, penalty), Caroline Kehrer (41') and Valentina Mädl (66').
Show more
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.
Show more
Bayer 04 will have to manage without striker Christian Kofane in the coming weeks. The 20-year-old sustained a muscle injury to his left thigh on international duty with the Cameroon national team during the recent international break. This will prevent him from playing in the upcoming Werkself matches.
Show more
Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
Show more