The Leverkusen Women made a successful start to the new season in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga last Saturday with a hard-fought 3-2 away win at SC Freiburg. A week later, the league takes a break with the Werkself progressing to the first round of the DFB Pokal with a bye. "We are taking this game as seriously as all other competitive matches," declared Pätzold: "The first round of the Pokal showed that no opponent should be underestimated. Karlsruher have a long tradition in women's football and they dealt with their first challenge very comfortably." The team from Baden beat fellow Regional League side SV 07 Elversberg 5-0.
One more reason for the Bundesliga team to be wary of the opponents playing two tiers below Bayer 04. "Karlsruher have exciting attacking players with strengths in one-on-ones and finishing. They have top training conditions and operate at a very decent level as I know from my time at the Baden Football Association," said Pätzold: "We assume the opponents will sit back, we will have a lot of possession and will have to find solutions to overcome a defensive bulwark. But the bigger focus is, exactly as in the league, on our own strengths."
To reduce the belief of the hosts in a win as much as possible, the coach has made a clear call to his team. "We want to avoid transition situations by efficiently building our attacks and finishing them. As favourites we can otherwise get into a situation where the opposition can hurt us," said Pätzold: "Instead, we want to patiently show our technical quality on the pitch and bring our physical superiority into play. We want to ensure that it doesn't become a typical Pokal tie but rather that we produce a dominant performance. At the same time, we have to be prepared to be able to deal with unforeseen situations."
The Leverkusen Women are well aware of the significance of the DFB Pokal. "There's no quicker way to get to a final. It's a huge chance for our players. A lot is possible in a few games, which are partly decided on form on the day," said Pätzold. "We are ambitious enough to want and to be able to dream. But to do that we first have to overcome the first hurdle."
As in recent weeks, Charlotte Voll, Melissa Friedrich (both training deficit), Paulina Bartz (illness), Sofie Zdebel and Loreen Bender (both U20 World Cup) are unavailable for this match. Travelling fans who want to support the Werkself at the Arthur-Beier-Stadion can buy tickets online HERE or from the ticket office at the ground on matchday. Werkself TV will broadcast the match live from 11.55 CET live and exclusively HERE on a free stream.
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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