The last-minute win over Hamburger SV on Wednesday left Leverkusen with an excellent record of 19 points from the first nine league games of the season. "It's a quality of this team that they never give up and then manage to find something extra in stoppage time," said Pätzold. "The three points are very valuable, but after two days off that game is behind us. We're going into this significantly more rested than on Wednesday. Our squad doesn't currently allow for much rotation, so we're thankful for the match being on Monday. We'll need all our strength and energy to hold our own at Freiburg."
The fact it's three years since the Werkself last lost to Freiburg, currently in seventh place with 13 points, is of little importance to Pätzold. "With the amount of personnel changes, statistics that go back over seasons are relative and have no relevance for us. Freiburg have found their feet well in the season and have great qualities particularly in attack. Even the last three matches, which they've lost, could have all turned out differently," continued the coach. "They were the dominant side and had a lot of chances, but weren't effective enough. So, in spite of recent results we're warned."
The Bayer 04 boss knows the strengths of the opponents: "They're a settled and very hardworking team, where you can identify patterns and processes. We expect a tight game that will be decided by little details." That's where the two wins in the games against Hamburg (2-1) and FC Carl Zeiss Jena (4-2) could benefit Leverkusen. "With the confidence from the last two weeks, we want to work the momentum in our favour and crown a busy week with the third win," declared Pätzold.
After her two-match ban, Charlotte Voll will return between the posts in the continued absence of injured captain Friederike Repohl. "Charly is our number two and will return in goal. Anne Moll filled in brilliantly for her when required," confirmed Pätzold. Centre-back Lilla Turanyi is also available again after suspension, while Juliette Vidal and Ruby Grant return to the squad after their recent knocks. Carlotta Wamser won't travel to Freiburg, though, as she's still nursing an injury. Cornelia Kramer (muscle injury) and Shen Menglu (cruciate ligament) remain sidelined, too.
What a performance! The Werkself not only secured three more important points in the Bundesliga against 1. FC Heidenheim 1846, but also gave their fans at the BayArena a historic home win with great gusto and hunger for goals. Only twice before have Bayer 04 won a home match by a six-goal margin in the German top flight (7-1 against Greuther Fürth and 6-0 against Kaiserslautern). Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza each netted a brace, with Jonas Hofmann and Ernest Poku scoring the other goals.
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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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