
“Few people could’ve imagined we’d be in this position before the season. The fact we are makes us all proud,” said the coach of his team that has won their last four competitive matches in a row. “We will not be awestruck this time either,” he added. Just two points separate the Werkself on 23 in fourth and the seven-time champions at the summit. So far only champions Bayern Munich have managed to beat Leverkusen. “We’ve earned a point and lost once in the games against the teams above us. It’d be nice if we could end the first half the season by beating one of those teams. That’s our goal and means we go into the game with confidence,” Pätzold stated .
Since the last-minute defeat to Bayern in October, Bayer 04 have conceded just one goal and belief within the team has grown. “We’re looking forward to a similarly good game as against Bayern, where we can go into it without pressure. If we perform to our best, we’ve got a good chance,” said the coach, aware that Wolfsburg have won their last seven competitive fixtures. “We’re playing against one of Germany’s top teams – that’s motivation enough. Everyone knows about Wolfsburg’s qualities. We need the game to go our way but have also shown often enough that we can do it.”






“We need to be brave enough to press the opponent high and also be able to withstand periods of opposition possession where we defend as a group,” the coach explained of what’s needed from his team, adding, “We won’t get too many chances, so need to be clinical, but also be able to deal with setbacks like we did against Bayern.” His team has regularly demonstrated those qualities in recent results. “We’ve created some maturity, mastering various situations mentally and continuing to believe in ourselves,” the 45-year-old continued. “Wolfsburg have been susceptible in various ways this season. That gives us enough reasons to go into the game with confidence.”
All 11 players who were in action for their national teams have returned to Leverkusen fit and healthy. Estrella Merino Gonzalez and Delice Boboy, who scored a combined four goals for Germany’s U19s, rejoined training on Thursday. The rest of the squad used the break for further practice with a 4-0 friendly win over Dutch side Zwolle. “We were in a similar situation ahead of the Köln game. Results have shown we’re well-drilled and that everyone knows our ideals and their role. It’ll be about managing the workload to go into a game that will demand the most of us with fresh minds and legs,” Pätzold stated.
Loreen Bender, who scored twice in the friendly, is back in the squad following a bout of tonsilitis. Sofia Cava Marin (knee), Synne Skinnes Hansen (thigh), Vanessa Haim (back) and Paulina Bartz (fitness) are all still sidelined.

Just in time for its 30th anniversary, the Lions Club is getting a new patron: Bayer 04 goalkeeper Mark Flekken is taking over the role from Lukas Hradecky, who showed great commitment and passion for the youngest Werkself fans in recent years. The Dutchman, who is himself the father of a daughter, will accompany Lions Club events and activities and be a role model for the children with his warm and positive manner.
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It's time for another Members' Matchday! Bayer 04's Bundesliga home game against 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 on Saturday 8 November (kick-off 15:30 CET) will see lots on offer for Werkself fans of all ages on the areas around the BayArena. Members also benefit from exclusive discounts until Sunday. More information on that, and the clash with FCH, in the Matchday News.
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1. FC Heidenheim 1846 are currently bottom of the table in their third season in the Bundesliga. However, after a poor start, the underdogs from Baden-Württemberg have recently shown an upturn in form. This Saturday, 8 November (kick-off: 15:30 CET), FCH will once again be looking perform as a cohesive, combative unit at the BayArena. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Before heading into the final international break of the year, the Werkself entertain 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 at home in the Bundesliga on Saturday, 8 November (kick-off: 15:30 CET). Ahead of the encounter on Bundesliga matchday 10, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about anticipation ahead of the game in front of a home crowd after three away fixtures in a row. He also talked about player availability.
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The fixture details for the Round of 16 ties in the 2025/26 DFB Pokal have been finalised. Accordingly, Bayer 04's away match at Borussia Dortmund will be played on Tuesday, 2 December, at 21:00 CET. This was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) today (Thursday).
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