His team have happy memories of the last meeting between the two sides. On matchday 34 in the last campaign the Werkself ran riot at the Berlin Olympic Stadium with a 6-2 win against Hertha. "That match is still in the minds of the players. That gives them confidence and belief,," said Herrlich. The same applies to the 4-0 win against SC Freiburg on Sunday. In spite of the euphoria following the impressive performance of his team against Freiburg, the Bayer 04 coach warned against ignoring the basics that led to the win at the weekend. "We can't forget what was needed in terms of running, battling and working before we were able to express our quality on the pitch," said Herrlich. "The lads deserve to be praised but it's important to look to continue to build on the win."
It is clear that Bayer 04 face a tough opponent in her to Berlin. Their impressive defence (only four goals conceded in six competitive matches) drew respect from Herrlich. "They have focused on conceding as few goals as possible. That means it's a different proposition from the Freiburg game." A different proposition but the same starting eleven? That is possible. "There's a lot to say we should field the same team," said Herrlich who can be happy that no other players are ruled out of contention despite the short recovery time. At the same time, the Werkself coach has the home game against Hamburg on Sunday at the back of his mind. "We have to keep in mind that arrest for one of the other player would be good." The Werkself starting eleven for the match in the capital of Germany will be decided after the final training session before flying off on Tuesday afternoon.
Tin Jedvaj is definitely ruled out. And Lucas Alario will not travel with the team to Berlin either. Bayer 04 believe there is little chance the striker receiving permission to play before Wednesday. "If he trains here on a one-to-one basis then that will give us more in terms of Sunday's game," said Herrlich who was optimistic that the Argentinian will be in the Werkself squad for the game against Hamburg. The focus now, as Herrlich declared, is on Berlin: "We are now concentrating on Hertha Berlin and the players that are available." The coach and his team are looking for a second win of the week with the support of 600 travelling Bayer 04 fans. "We want to return with a result and hopefully three points," said Herrlich.
The Nerazzurri are in town: Today, Tuesday 10 December, Bayer 04 entertain the reigning champions of Italy Inter Milan on Matchday 6 in the UEFA Champions League (kick-off: 21.00 CET/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). Read on for the latest information on the home game at the BayArena.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 U19 team lost 1-0 to Inter Milan on the sixth and final matchday in the league phase of the UEFA Youth League 2024/25. The only goal of the game was scored just after the hour mark. While the side from North Italy have finished top in the league phase with a maximum points return, the Leverkusen team appeared to have just missed out on the knockout stages of the European competition. There is faint hope looking to several games to follow where results are needed to go the way of the Werkself.
Show moreItalian teams are known for being strong in defence. The fact that Inter Milan, the next opponents for the Werkself in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 10 December (kick-off: 20.45 CET), have not conceded a single goal in their last five matches is impressive. Will the visitors' keeper Yann Sommer be able to keep a clean sheet at the BayArena against Florian Wirtz and Co.? The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Borussia Dortmund on Bundesliga Matchday 16. The game at the Signal Iduna Park on Friday, 10 January 2025, kicks off at 20.30 CET. Read on for information on ticket sales.
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