"We have recovered and are motivated for the next challenge in the Bundesliga," declared Xabi Alonso three days after the Champions League match at Liverpool (0-4). "Whether it's against Liverpool or Bochum, we always prepare in the same way. What we need are concentration and the right mentality over the whole game. If we can do that then we’ll go into the international break feeling positive."
Before that, the Werkself face a tricky task at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion. VfL Bochum are currently bottom with one point from nine games and share the worst start to a season in Bundesliga history (alongside Fürth in 2021/22 and Saarbrücken in the first Bundesliga season in 1963/64). Alonso: "The table and Bochum's number of points are irrelevant, it's always difficult at VfL. They have a clear DNA marked by high intensity and lots of passion with the atmosphere at the stadium also always playing a role."
In addition, Bochum have brought in a new head coach in Dieter Hecking who has plenty of experience in the Bundesliga. The 60-year-old coach, up until May the sporting managing director at FC Nürnberg, took over the coaching role at VfL at the start of the week and he will be in the dugout for the first time against the Werkself.
As was the case in Liverpool, Martin Terrier is not fit for the game against Bochum. Alonso on the French forward: "He won't be in the squad even though he already feels much better. If everything goes as planned then he will be back against Heidenheim after the international break."
Nordi Mukiele, Jeanuel Belocian and Amine Adli also remain on the sidelines. The latter extended his contract at Bayer 04 on Friday to run to 2028. Alonso on the Morocco international currently out with a broken leg: "He's very important on the pitch and in the dressing room. He has a great connection to his teammates, he speaks lots of languages. I and we are all happy that he'll stay here for a long time."
2,750 fans will support the Werkself in Bochum with the away section sold out. The fan information can be found HERE.
A special afternoon at the Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp: At the Liga 20 indoor football centre, in the shadow of the BayArena, two Werkself women’s team players led a training session. Loreen Bender and Selina Ostermeier not only offered the young players advice and support, but also got stuck in themselves.
Show more
Bayer 04 came from 2-0 down to beat Nürnberg 5-2 in the second round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal on Wednesday night. Edmond Tapsoba’s double either side of half-time sparked the turnaround, before Patrik Schick, Jonas Hofmann and Lucas Vázquez ensured progress to the last 16 for the 2024 cup winners.
Show more
The Werkself have reached at least the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal in each of the last three years. The Black-and-Reds would like to make it to the final four of the competition again this season, but to do that they'll need to overcome 1. FC Nürnberg in round two, who travel to the BayArena with momentum following a successful league campaign so far. However, Bayer have a 100 percent record at home in all competitions this season - and have also won six of their last seven home matches in the Pokal. The Matchday News.
Show more
Back at home in the second round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal, Bayer 04 host FC Nürnberg at the BayArena. The match against the current second-placed side in Bundesliga 2 is on Wednesday 28 October at 20:45 CET. Ahead of the game, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about his anticipation of the clash in front of a home crowd. The Spaniard also commented on a number of personnel matters, including Ibrahim Maza and Montrell Culbreath, plus the visitors’ coach, Miroslav Klose.
Show more
Now in their third season under head coach Miroslav Klose, FC Nürnberg are among the promotion contenders in Bundesliga 2. On Wednesday 28 October (kick-off: 20:45 CET), the team currently second in the table are away to Bayer 04 in the second round of the DFB Pokal. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
