Back
24.08.2018Bundesliga

'We'll field a good side'

It's 104 days since the Werkself played game number 1,330 in the Bundesliga against Hannover 96 on the final matchday of last season. Three and a half months later, Bayer 04 are about to start their 40th season in Germany's top flight: In the opening match of the new campaign, Heiko Herrlich's team are away to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Saturday night (25 August, 18.30 CET). There is huge anticipation in Leverkusen ahead of the league season kicking off tomorrow.
20180824_pk_vor_bmgb04_KP2A1096.jpg

"After the Hannover game, there was huge disappointment amongst the team at missing out on the target of a Champions League spot," said Herrlich at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon ahead of the Gladbach game. Following that low, his players were all highly motivated – particularly when he started the pre-season on 5 July. "The motivation was brilliant from the start. And although there wasn't always that much to shout about in the friendlies, I can sense a real hunger, a great desire amongst the group – everybody's looking forward to  getting going again," said the  46-year-old coach who also stressed there are different levels of expectation after very impressive performances at times last term. It is even more important to get off to a good start in tomorrow's encounter with Gladbach at Borussia Park. "Borussia Mönchengladbach are a very ambitious side – you can hear and read that everywhere. They've really strengthened and improved their squad. Nevertheless, we want to go there and, if possible, take all three points like we did last season," said the Werkself head coach confidently laying down the line.

Herrlich rules out Bender twins

The man from Mannheim is opting to overlook the fact the Bayer 04 medics and physios have their hands full at the moment. In addition to Julian Baumgartlinger (knee), Lukas Hradecky (rehab), Joel Pohjanpalo (ankle), Panos Retsos (thigh),  this week saw keeper Thorsten Kirschbaum (thigh) plus Lars and Sven Bender (knee and ankle respectively) join the injury list – they are all unavailable for the opening fixture for the Werkself. "Lars and Sven Bender can't wait, both definitely want to play. Above all, with Lars it's the case he absolutely wants to get back on the pitch and tolerate the pain. But after discussions with the medical section, the risk is too great and we want to avoid them being sidelined for any longer than is necessary," said Herrlich in ruling out the captain and his twin brother: "I just want to have fit players on the pitch tomorrow." At the same time, he expressed his complete confidence in his other players. "I've always said we need 20 first team players to be strong enough given the crowded fixture list and to be able to produce the performances needed to be successful in all the competitions," said Herrlich and he promised: "We will field a very good team tomorrow."

high hopes for Charles Aránguiz

It is certainly possible Charles Aránguiz will be in the squad. The 29-year-old Chilean has recently missed out due to knee and Achilles problems. That now appears to over. "Charly is still being treated and looked after by the medics but he has made very quick progress, trained very well this week and coped well with the workload. After today's final training session, we'll decide if we can take him with us," said Herrlich raising high hopes of the midfield maestro returning to action.

Around 3,000 fans will be in the away end at Borussia Park tomorrow night supporting the Werkself. There are some tickets available on the night.

Bewerb_Schwadbud_HomepageMediumRectangle_300x250px_Borussia-M-Gladbach_1819.jpg

Related News

FC Liverpool
Champions League - 04.11.2024

Our next opponents: Liverpool impressing on all fronts

Liverpool could hardly have made a better start to this season, sitting top of the Premier League, boasting three wins from three in the UEFA Champions League, and through to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup. Arne Slot’s side are in imperious form ahead of hosting the Werkself at Anfield, where Virgil van Dijk, Mohamed Salah and the others want to keep that momentum going against Germany’s double winners. Here’s all you need to know about our next opponents…

Show more
Xabi Alonso in the 2004/05 CL final
Champions League - 04.11.2024

Back in Liverpool: Xabi Alonso's emotional return

Xabi Alonso spent five years as a player at Liverpool. It was where he developed into a global star, winning the Champions League with The Reds in 2005 and, subsequently, three more trophies. Now he's making his first return to the Anfield Road as Bayer 04 coach. We reflect on his time at the club and take a look back at the Werkself's two previous encounters with the Liverpudlians.

Show more
Royal Albert Dock Liverpool
Champions League - 04.11.2024

Travel tips for Champions League game in Liverpool

Bayer 04 are away at Liverpool for Matchday 4 of the UEFA Champions League’s league phase on Wednesday. Ahead of the trip to Anfield, we’ve got some travel tips for all fans making the journey, thanks to our partner weloveholidays.

Show more
DFB-Pokal
DFB-Pokal - 03.11.2024

Werkself away to FC Bayern in DFB Pokal Round of 16

The next opponents in the 2024/25 DFB Pokal have been confirmed: The Werkself are away to Bayern Munich in the Round of 16. That was the outcome of the draw held on Sunday night, 3 November, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. DFB sporting director Rudi Völler led the draw with European championship saxophonist André Schnura picking out the teams.

Show more