The Black and Reds are currently sixth in the table on 20 points just one behind fourth-placed TSG Hoffenheim. "We have four points more than at the same point last season," said head coach Robert de Pauw: "The table is much tighter than a year ago and that's good." At the same time, he said: "Of course, we want to do even better. But the focus is on our performance and not on the table."
In the last two matches, the 1-1 draw against VfL Wolfsburg and the 2-1 win at FC Nürnberg, his team, "gained confidence and defended well even if there was a bit of luck involved," said the coach: "But we can do better on the ball. We want to show that this weekend by finding better solutions and space in our build-ups. In addition, we have to remain compact and be smart at the moments we press."
The fact the Leverkusen Women’s team are still unbeaten in six home games this season, he sees as a "nice statistic" but one not worth dwelling on. "At least, it shows how difficult it is to beat us," said de Pauw.
He says TSG, who secured a 2-2 draw in the previous meeting, have "a lot of quality." The coach sounded a warning about the pace of the visitors in counter-attacks. It depends even more on the Werkself implementing their coaches wishes: "We have to make better decisions and be more settled on the ball," said the Dutchman: "We won't be able to dominate the whole game against Hoffenheim but we want to compete well and create good chances."
Melissa Friedrich, who scored her first goal of the season with a header in Nuremberg, is unavailable for the Bayer 04 Women. The central defender suffered a torn ankle ligament in training and is now sidelined for four to six weeks. On the plus side, Sylwia Matysik and Lilla Turányi return to the squad. Janou Level (hip injury) is still in rehab training.
As usual, the match will be broadcast live on the two streaming services DAZN and MagentaSport. Werkself fans can buy tickets in advance HERE at the online ticket shop or from the matchday ticket office on the day of the game.
As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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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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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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