Eintracht are currently in fourth place on 32 points, just one behind Hoffenheim, meaning a win is a must in their push for Champions League qualification. “Frankfurt will feel a lot of pressure. It could be that they then start taking risks,” said de Pauw. The Dutchman also gave a reminder of his own team’s ambitions: “We want to be in the top five, so it’s also an important game for us. We definitely won’t give anything away but will give all we’ve got to win.” Leverkusen are on 25 points heading into Matchday 18.
De Pauw’s confidence in his team ahead of facing Frankfurt is based on his side’s previous displays against the top four teams this season. “We’ve had some good performances against these teams,” said the coach, remembering the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture where Estrella Merino Gonzalez secured a late point with her first Bundesliga goal. “After the draw at Hoffenheim, the narrow defeat against them at home and the draw against Wolfsburg, it’s about time we beat one of these teams.”
Eintracht have managed 10 wins this season and are “one of those teams” for a reason. “They have great depth in their squad and have pace especially up front. At the same time, they’re vulnerable at the back. We need to use the space between their lines and out wide.”
All 13 players called up to represent their countries over the international break had returned to training in Leverkusen by Thursday. Five of them had come back having secured Euro U19 qualification. “Each player has a different level of fitness. We need to watch out for that after each international break and take it into account when preparing for a game,” the 42-year-old explained.
During the break, he varied the workloads of the players still training with the club. “In the first week, we trained very intensely with a small group, and then we reduced the intensity a bit and worked on different match scenarios,” the Dutchman stated. “Now it’s about ensuring everyone is fresh before the game.”
Synne Skinnes Hansen won’t be available on Saturday due to a thigh problem. The game also comes too soon for Charlotte Voll (shoulder) and Melissa Friedrich (ankle).
Anyone who wants to support the team on Saturday can get tickets for the game HERE. Tickets will also be available to buy on the day at the entrance.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen welcomes a new official member to the Sponsors’ Club at the start of the 2026/27 campaign. KKV Kabelverlegung GmbH & Co. KG is expanding its existing partnership and will, with immediate effect, act as a supporter of the Bundesliga club at the second-highest partner level, just below the premium tier. As an official partner in the Sponsors’ Club, KKV will now enjoy significantly enhanced visibility during Werkself matches at the BayArena. The new contract is initially valid until 30 June 2028.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has extended the existing partnership agreement with EDO Personalservice GmbH and, at the same time, expanded its collaboration with the Cologne-based company. The official partner in the Business Club has been upgraded within Bayer 04’s partner network. The revised and enhanced support for the club has initially been agreed for two years, running until 30 June 2028.
Show more
Video games developer Electronic Arts (EA), in collaboration with the Bundesliga, has announced the six nominees for the Bundesliga ‘Player of the Month’ award for September – Bayer 04’s Miguel Gutiérrez has made it into this select group after just four Bundesliga matches. Fans of the Black and Reds can vote from now until Sunday 27 September (23:59 CEST).
Show more
Calling Bayer 04 fans: The 2026/27 campaign will really pick up pace after the international break – and if you want to get your hands on a very special Black and Red souvenir in time, now is your chance. Jerseys signed by Werkself players such as Patrik Schick and Edmond Tapsoba are now available via the web shop. It’s worth being quick, as the offer is valid only whilst stocks last.
Show more
