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.
Bayer 04 are again strongly represented in this year's Bundesliga Team of the Season from the games manufacturer EA Sports. Five Werkself players have been voted into the top XI for the 2024/25 season, a duo from the Bayer 04 Women's team are in the female Bundesliga TOTS. Bayer 04 were well represented last season with six male players in the top eleven, the most players from one club.
Show more
A few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
In the long and renowned career of Jupp Heynckes his two years at Leverkusen fill a short chapter. Nevertheless, his work under the Bayer Cross between 2009 and 2011 left its mark. The former world class striker and coach with a worldwide reputation was also very successful here and he led the Werkself to the runners-up spot in the Bundesliga and he made a lasting impression on many people at the club. Jupp Heynckes today celebrates his 80th birthday. Many happy returns from Bayer 04 as we look back at two great years.
Show more
A cracker of a semi-final at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The Bayer 04 U19 team entertain Bayern Munich on Saturday, 10 May (kick-off: 11:00 CEST/stadium opens: 10:00 CEST). In front of a home crowd, the team led by head coach Sergi Runge, who welcomes back an attacking player, is looking to build on the battling performances from the previous knockout games and "perform at the right moment." Tickets are available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the game will also be broadcast live on Sky.
Show more
