BVB v Bayer Leverkusen match preview

After a difficult loss to Werder in the DFB Pokal, Bayer Leverkusen visits Westfalenstadion as BVB looks to start the second half of the Bundesliga season with a victory. With Die Schwarzgelben only three points behind Leverkusen, manager Jürgen Klopp will press to control the oppositions attacking fervor.

New signing Kevin-Prince Boateng has immediately fit into the lineup and with Jakub Błaszczykowski out injured, Alexander Frei will pair with Egyptian international Mohamed Zidan. Leverkusen looked powerful against Energie Cottbus midweek and is reporting no significant injuries.

Jürgen Klopp said of the match and the defeat in the Pokal:

"There were a lot of positives but also negatives." But nothing that would be considered a "serious problem."

Reviewing the loss he suggested:

"That we need to be more ruthless and maintain concentration better. Then we will always have a chance."

Noting the oppositions assaults he added:

"Leverkusen can really play, if you let them. But we aren´t going to let them."

"we won´t be able to block every path" however BVB will can "do some damage with swift counter attacks."

Of the pairing of Alexander Frei and Mohamed Zidan, he said:

"That was outstanding," and "and I´m looking forward to this game. It will be played at a high standard!"