Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
"I'm expecting a tough game. HSV have picked up points against good opponents (2-1 against VfB Stuttgart, 1-1 draws with Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt, ed.). Hamburg are strong at home with a lot of pace, good transitional play and a compact defence. But I’m convinced we have the necessary weapons against this opponent," said Kasper Hjulmand at the pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.
Looking back at the defeat against VfB Stuttgart (1-4), the Dane said: "Of course, we’ve analysed the game, and looked at our shape in one-v-ones and duels. We know we absolutely have to do better against HSV. That's our full focus now."
Hjulmand doesn't feel under any pressure: "We're not panicking. Sometimes there are simply setbacks, that's all part of it. We remain calm, are optimistic and feel good. The players know what to do."
In terms of personnel, Kasper Hjulmand explained that Werkself players Exequiel Palacios and Axel Tape will not be in Hamburg. There is still a question mark over the availability of Patrik Schick. On Edmond Tapsoba and the other AFCON returnees Christian Kofane and Ibrahim Maza, Hjulmand said: "We have to see how they feel. I know how much pressure national teams are under at a tournament like this. It's important for me to talk to them and see them on the pitch to assess how ready they are." Tapsoba's involvement is therefore also up in the air, while it is definitely be too early for Kofane and Maza.
Hjulmand explained how much playing time is enough for players like Lucas Vázquez, who recently made his first short appearances after his injury: "We work with different levels: These are 'ready to train', 'ready to play' and 'ready to perform'. Lucas has done well in training and he could play. Things are looking better and better with him."
The clash between the Werkself and HSV is covered in full in Germany on Sky and on WOW with live updates on DAZN. Werkself Radio will also be broadcasting as usual - on bayer04.de and the Bayer 04 app. 3,500 Bayer 04 fans will be at the game.
The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
Show more
Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-1 victory in the friendly match at Kickers Offenbach...
Show more
It’s always nice having your best friends round for a birthday! Bayer 04 made a guest appearance at Stadion am Bieberer Berg as part of Offenbacher Kickers’ 125th anniversary celebrations, and nearly 1,500 Werkself supporters accepted the invitation to this historic venue, joining the Offenbach crowd in celebrating the more than 45-year friendship between the clubs. On the pitch, the Werkself secured a 3–1 victory in the friendly against the fourth-tier Regionalliga side. The Leverkusen goals were scored by Christian Kofane (38’), Jonas Hofmann (48’) and Afonso Moreira (81’). Keanu Staude had put the hosts ahead in the first half (11’).
Show more
