Leverkusen facing Koln in fine form for derby
Bayer Leverkusen is back in Bundesliga action after being eliminated from the DFB-Pokal by Bayern Munich, with a resurgent FC Koln side its next opponent in a Rhine derby that promises much drama.
The Werkself are sixth in the top flight with four games of their season remaining, which would only be good enough to qualify for the UEFA Conference League in 2026-2027.
Ahead of the trip to RheinEnergieSTADION, Hjulmand delivered an impassioned plea for his team to end the campaign strongly, starting with a positive result against its local rival.
"Saturday afternoon, a derby, of great significance for both teams. We're looking forward to this important game for everyone," Hjulmand said.
But Leverkusen comes up against a Koln side that has hit form at the right time, which could be down to a change of management after Lukas Kwasniok was sacked last month.
Wagner has not lost any of his first three league matches. Only Peter Stoger in 2014-2015 was unbeaten in his first four matches in charge of Koln this millennium.
Under Wagner, Koln has also averaged 17 shots per top-flight game, compared to 13 shots on average under his predecessor Kwasniok.
"Koln haven't lost in five games and are in good form. But we know what to expect, and we're ready," Hjulmand added.
"Of course, it's not just about the playing component. It's also about commitment and mentality. It's important to combine emotion, structure and control."
Hjulmand revealed that he would be without Arthur, Martin Terrier and Christian Kofane, with the trio unable to travel with the squad because of injury.
Lucas Vazquez also went off injured during the defeat to Bayern, although Hjulmand remained optimistic that the experienced Spaniard would be fit enough to feature against Koln.
"They will most probably not be available. He [Vazquez] is undergoing final checks today," Hjulmand said.
"The team and everyone here know how important this derby is. We now have four games left, and we'll do everything we can to win them."
Koln will, however, not make things easy. It is six points above the relegation play-off spot, and a win here would go a long way to cementing its top-flight status.
