“We’re really looking forward to our first home game,” said Pätzold at Friday’s pre-match press conference. At the same time, he recalled the last clash against Wolfsburg in Leverkusen (1–5), which took an unfortunate turn following two red cards for the Werkself. “We intend to see out the match with eleven players this time and be a very, very tough opponent. We have every reason to go into this match with great confidence and to meet the opposition on equal terms.”
Returning player Carolin Simon is also set to play a key role. The 33-year-old has been leading out the team as captain since last Sunday’s 2–0 opening-day victory at RB Leipzig – a role she holds in high regard. “It’s not something you can take for granted when you come back and are immediately entrusted with leading the team as captain. It’s a huge honour,” said Simon during the press conference: “You don’t always have to wear the captain’s armband. Above all, it’s important to walk through the dressing room with your eyes and ears open and to be empathetic: Which players aren’t feeling their best right now? Which player might need a bit more encouragement? Which ones simply need a hug?”
The five-time champion of Germany is utterly convinced of the quality of her own team. “We have an incredibly strong squad; we have an unbelievably high standard, even amongst the very young players, in whom I see enormous potential for development,” said Simon. Much of this has not yet been on display: “Especially in training, that quality shines through time and again, and I’m absolutely convinced we will show it on the pitch.”
Wolfsburg, however, will be a real test. “Despite a major upheaval, they remain one of the top teams in German women’s football,” said Pätzold. At the same time, during their sensational season opener in Nuremberg (8–2) – before their outstanding second-half display in which they scored eight goals – VfL showed weaknesses in dealing with high pressing and in their transition play. “We certainly see opportunities for us to cause them problems.”
Meanwhile, Simon welcomes the challenging start to the season, featuring matches in Leipzig (2–0), against Wolfsburg, away at TSG Hoffenheim and against Bayern Munich. “I’m a fan of this sort of opening fixture list. I think it’s good to face your main rivals right at the start. It’s an immediate litmus test and you can see where you stand as a team.” Consequently, there is great anticipation ahead of the home opener – and for a successful season with the Werkself.
In terms of personnel, Pätzold will have to manage without Amy Wrigge (torn cruciate) plus Caroline Kehrer and Emily Wallrabenstein (both in rehab training) as well as the injured Melissa Friedrich. Justine Brandau returns to the squad following her suspension. Tickets for the first home match of the season at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium are available HERE.
Werkself Live matchday magazine:
After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
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When Exequiel Palacios moved from the Argentinian club River Plate to Bayer Leverkusen on 1 January 2020, the then 21-year-old could not have imagined just how successful the next six and a half years would be for him. Pala, as he is known, had already won the Copa Libertadores – the most prestigious competition in South American club football – with River Plate. But there were still so many more trophies to come.
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To mark Exequiel Palacios’s departure, we’ve put together a compilation of the midfielder’s finest and most important goals from his six-and-a-half years at the club.
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Newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg will begin the 2026/27 season as Bundesliga club number 59. The Saarland club start their first Bundesliga campaign at home to the Werkself on Saturday, 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST) at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, which is currently being rebuilt. For one Leverkusen player in the ‘Elv’ line-up, the clash will be a special reunion. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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