The Bayer 04 Women's team returned to Leverkusen last weekend after a narrow 1-0 defeat at league leaders Bayern Munich without any points but with plenty of confidence. And the team under head coach Achim Feifel are looking to take that energy into the next match against SC Sand. A win would give the Werkself Women 17 points – as many as in the whole of last season.
"We definitely had a bit of luck in Munich but we did play with a lot of confidence," the coach said looking back with satisfaction. On Sunday, his team face a completely different challenge, this time as favourites rather than as underdogs. "We have to produce something in attack and play focused and constructive attacking football. The defence has to be solid and with good pressing we will try to stop possible counter-attacks and offer the opponents as little room as possible."
The team that finished eighth last season, where Milena Nikolic and Viktoria Pinther used to play, are currently in tenth place in the league with six points and a goal difference of six goals for and 27 against. They have lost four games in succession including the recent match against Werder Bremen. Only one point separates the visitors from SV Meppen in the first relegation spot. Last weekend, the team coached by Nora Häuptle did manage to secure a win: In the second round of the DFB Cup, Sand won 4-1 against Regional League side SV Göttelborn to progress to the next round.
"We won't underestimate SC Sand. They have lost eight games in the league but one of the two wins was against a top team Eintracht Frankfurt. They have quality in turnover and attacking play and are dangerous down the wings," Feifel warned.
The coach almost has a full squad to choose from again. Melissa Friedrich, Lara Marti (both with muscle problems), Henrietta Csiszár (ankle) and Dora Zeller (knee) have recovered from their injuries and they returned to full training during the week. That means the only absentees are the long-term casualties Pauline Wimmer (torn cruciate) and Jessica Wich (broken ankle).
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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.
Show more
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
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
