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)
Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.
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A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...
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This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.
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Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
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Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
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