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"It was only the second game in 27 years [as a coach] that I've missed - the other one was because of COVID," explained Kasper Hjulmand at Friday's press conference. "I was in Denmark for personal reasons. I'd like to thank the club for their support and also the media for respecting my privacy. I'm fine and I'm 100 percent here."
The Dane is therefore fully focused on the upcoming match. "We know what we're up against with Köln," he said. "They may be a promoted team but they're very attacking and want to have a lot of possession. They also switch play quickly and try to get in behind the defence. The respect for them is there, but obviously we want to play our game and win. It's a derby and also very important for the table. A win would help us to travel to Leipzig next week and start the new year in a good position."
There are no notable updates on the personnel front compared to the meeting with Newcastle. Regarding Patrik Schick, who left the pitch with a knock on Wednesday, Hjulmand said: "We're still hopeful on Patrik and think he can be involved. He'll have a fitness test tomorrow and then we'll see." On Ezequiel Fernández, "we currently expect him to be back for Leipzig". As for the players who are available, Hjulmand was "sure that they're aware of the importance of this match for the club and the fans".
Given the huge demand for tickets for this match, Bayer 04 would like to emphasise once again that it will take active and thorough action against the sale of tickets on the unofficial secondary market. Tickets purchased via this unauthorised secondary market may be counterfeit and invalid. Furthermore, buying and selling tickets on the unofficial secondary market may result in ticket suspensions, season ticket cancellations and/or membership termination. There's more information on the topic of the black market HERE.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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