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"I'm really up for it!" said Erik ten Hag, making clear his excitement at his first Bundesliga match as head coach in the dugout. "Everything doesn't go to plan straightaway for any team in the first game of the season. But you can feel a very, very good team spirit in the dressing room and the team is coming together more and more. That's a very good foundation for the start of the season. On top of that there is a special bond between the team and the fans, which we saw last week in the DFB Pokal. That really impressed me.”
Asked about the successful preseason for TSG Hoffenheim with eight wins in eight friendlies and a goal difference of 40 to 5, plus the 4-0 victory at Hansa Rostock in the DFB Pokal, ten Hag said: "There are no easy games in the Bundesliga, that's absolutely clear. Hoffenheim are in good shape, they have a good coach and a good team. We'll have to give our all."
This summer's transfers were obviously a topic for discussion at the press conference. Asked about the many young new signings, ten Hag declared: "We still have a lot of experienced players, also in the spine of the team: Mark, Eddy, Rob, Patrik – they are all very experienced. The mix in the squad is good. And there are players who have stayed who bring a certain culture from the last few years, the culture of Bayer 04. It's exactly the same with the staff. And that's also very good."
For the Dutchman, who was previously at Manchester United and Ajax, it is not the first summer with lots of changes in personnel. Ten Hag: "Every era, every phase comes to an end at some point. Now it's time for a new successful phase. And we're all working hard on that every day, including the people in the background."
As in the DFB Pokal tie, Exequiel Palacios, Jonas Hofmann, Martin Terrier, Jeanuel Belocian and Malik Tillman are ruled out for the TSG game. New signing Loïc Badé will very probably not be an option. "But it looks good for him next week. And the other players are making good progress," explained ten Hag. Claudio Echeverri is ready to play: "He is absolutely fit and a player who was born with the ball at his feet (laughs). Of course, he could play from the start."
For the Bundesliga opener at the BayArena, a few tickets are available as well as tickets via the Bayer 04 ticket exchange. Click HERE for tickets.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
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New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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