The Dutchman does not want to be fooled by the 6-0 thrashing at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, in which summer loan signing Nikola Karczewska scored a hat-trick. "The Nürnberg team has changed since then," said the coach. "They were still bedding in at that point. Now they've strengthened considerably and have been a bit unlucky in recent games, but they've also shown what they're capable of." As examples of that, he cited the 1-1 draw against FC Bayern Munich and the 2-1 win over MSV Duisburg. The hosts' pace in attack, which includes January signing from Leverkusen Amira Arfaoui, can pose a threat at any time. "We need a lot of energy to break them down," added de Pauw. "It will help us to remember the reverse fixture because we found a lot of spaces in that."
With a training session in colourful costumes on Fat Thursday, the Leverkusen women briefly provided some carnival-like relaxation. "It was a nice change and a lot of fun for everyone," commented the coach. "As a club from the region, it's part of it. It was also a good break from the day-to-day, which provided a new dynamic." Nevertheless, his team trained "seriously and with focus".
After earning a point against second-placed VfL Wolfsburg, Bayer 04 Women head to Nuremberg as clear favourites on paper, but the approach on the pitch shouldn't change. "Obviously Wolfsburg are a different calibre, but we need the same mentality on the field as last weekend," demanded de Pauw. "We want to quickly build up pressure and force Nürnberg into mistakes."
Along with Janou Levels (individual training after hip injury), two other defenders are ruled out with injuries from the Wolfsburg game in Sylwia Matysik (ankle) and Lilla Turányi (minor concussion). Loreen Bender is also unavailable due to a thigh problem.
The game will be broadcast live by paid-for streaming services DAZN and MagentaSport as well as on free TV by SPORT1. The programme begins at 19:00 CET. Fans who want to support Bayer 04 Women in person can purchase tickets HERE.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned U19 midfielder Jeremiah Mensah to Dutch second-tier side Roda JC Kerkrade for one year. The 18-year-old Germany youth international has a long-term contract at the club to 2031.
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Bayer 04 kick off the final phase of their 2026/27 pre-season preparations with a friendly against Premier League club Nottingham Forest. Head coach Carles Martínez’s team will take to the pitch at the City Ground today, Wednesday 12 August (kick-off: 8.45 pm/7.45 pm local time). Werkself-TV will broadcast the match live and in full exclusively for Bayer 04 members via livestream from 8.35 pm...
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Argentina international Facundo Medina. The defender, who can play both at left-back and in a more central position in the back line, has signed a contract with Bayer 04 to 30 June 2031. The 1.84-metre-tall World Cup runner-up, who will wear the number 2 shirt, joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique de Marseille.
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Villa Fiorito, River Plate, Ligue 1, the World Cup final and now Bayer 04: Facundo Medina’s life story so far has been shaped by special places, clubs, matches and names. One of them is Diego Maradona, who, like Medina, hailed from the south of Buenos Aires. Another is Exequiel Palacios, his former team-mate at River Plate, who was raving about Bayer 04 to him as recently as the World Cup in North America. Medina has now taken the plunge into the Bundesliga and, as an Argentine World Cup runner-up, has joined Bayer 04 from Olympique de Marseille this week. It is set to be the next successful chapter in his career. Leverkusen’s new number 2 brings with him a South American mentality and passion, a wealth of experience from many years in Ligue 1, and a fascinating story to the Rhineland – and to a club where the 1.84-metre-tall left-footed player will be reunited with Palacios and several other familiar faces.
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Shortly after signing his contract with Bayer 04, new signing Facundo Medina spoke to Werkself.tv about his first impressions of the club, his expectations and his conversations with his Argentine compatriot Exequiel Palacios. The defender also reveals what the fans can look forward to. Welcome to Leverkusen, Facu!
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