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.
In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
Show more
Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
Show more
After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
Show more
Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
Show more
Due to the last-minute postponement of the Bundesliga match between Hamburg and the Werkself on Tuesday, 13 January, Bayer 04 will reimburse the ticket price to all 3,500 fans who had already travelled to Hamburg as a sign of appreciation. The tickets remain valid for the rescheduled match (date not yet set).
Show more
