The situation at Bayer 04 is gradually improving as three key players return to the lineup for the upcoming match against Borussia Dortmund. Among them is captain Robert Andrich, who is in contention for a starting spot. Coach Kasper Hjulmand faces a crucial decision between Andrich and midfielder Ibrahim Maza.
Kasper Hjulmand’s Lineup Challenges
Following a 2-0 victory against Manchester City, Hjulmand must decide how to rearrange his team. The Danish coach had to manage with limited resources during the last match. Now, with four returning players, he has the flexibility to rotate his squad.
Key Player Returns
- Edmond Tapsoba and Robert Andrich will rejoin the team.
- Martin Terrier and Jonas Hofmann, previously ineligible for the Champions League, are also back.
Tapsoba is expected to return as a left center-back, supplanting Jeanuel Belocian, who recently played his first full match since recovery. Hjulmand aims to utilize Tapsoba’s skills in both defense and offensive set pieces.
Formation and Tactical Adjustments
Jonas Hofmann is likely to reclaim his position on the right flank. His performance in a similar role during the victory against Wolfsburg was impressive. Ernest Poku, who shone defensively against Manchester City’s attack, will shift to the left wing.
Additionally, Alejandro Grimaldo, who played as a left-back, may move into a more central position to maximize his contributions. This tactical change aims to enhance creativity against Dortmund’s solid defense.
Decision on Andrich vs. Maza
Hjulmand must decide whether to reinstate Andrich in the starting eleven. In prior matches, Andrich has demonstrated strong performances, but Maza has also proven to be effective. The midfield pairing of Maza and Aleix Garcia has shown great synergy but splitting them might be necessary.
As Bayer 04 prepares for their home match against Dortmund, the decision leans towards the more adept Maza in the midfield, especially considering Dortmund’s defensive style. However, Andrich’s robust play could be useful in the critical upcoming DFB-Pokal match.
Concerns Over Player Fitness
With the recent heavy workloads for Maza and Garcia, fatigue may be a factor. Both players recently participated in international duty, while Andrich stayed in Leverkusen to train. After the Manchester game, the starters had four days to recover prior to facing Dortmund. But leading into the cup match, they will only have three days, indicating a need for potential rotation.
As Coach Hjulmand weighs the freshness of Andrich against Maza, his decisions will significantly impact Bayer 04’s performance against both Dortmund and in future competitions.
