Bundesliga Preview: Bayer out to stay in Euro hunt

Lewandowski was named coach of Leverkusen on a temporary basis on Monday after Sami Hyypia was sacked following the club's disappointing defeat to relegation candidates Hamburg last week.

The defeat left Leverkusen in fifth position in the Bundesliga, behind Borussia Monchengladbach and the final Champions League qualifying spot on goal difference with nine games remaining.

Leverkusen, who have only won one of their past nine league fixtures, have the opportunity to get their campaign back on track when they host Hertha Berlin on Sunday.

"We're going to have to turn a few screws to get results as quickly as possible," Lewandowski said.

"We can't just carry on the way things are."

Lewandowski added: "It's a chance for everybody to prove themselves. We don't have much time, so we all have to react."

Defeat could prove extremely costly for Leverkusen, especially if Monchengladbach get the better of relegation-threatened Stuttgart, who are above the drop zone on goal difference.

The Wolfsburg camp will be keeping a close eye on proceedings at BayArena, with Dieter Hecking's men just one point adrift in sixth spot.

Wolfsburg are at home to second-botton Nurnberg, who are one point adrift of safety.

Meanwhile, recently crowned champions Bayern Munich entertain rivals Borussia Dortmund in the match of the round.

Bayern claimed back-to-back league crowns with seven games to spare, though Dortmund are still playing for second position.

Jurgen Klopp's team are three points ahead of third-placed Schalke, who are in action against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday.

In other fixtures over the weekend, Hamburg can continue their surge away from the relegation zone with victory over fellow strugglers Hannover.

Hamburg climbed off the foot of the table to within one point of safety and two adrift of free-falling Hannover after upstaging Leverkusen in round 29.

Elsewhere, four points separate Freiburg and cellar dwellers Eintracht Braunschweig heading into Saturday's match.

Mainz welcome Werder Bremen to Coface Arena on Saturday, while Hoffenheim go head-to-head with surprise packets Augsburg on Monday.

Latest in
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is expected to sanction plenty of sales this summer
When does the summer transfer window open?
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Latest in News
Arne Slot and Mikel Arteta could both do with improving their respective attacks this summer
Arsenal to make bold move for Liverpool star with uncertain Anfield future: report
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Phil Foden of England reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
'When I see Phil Foden play, he just seems like a shy lad - that holds him back a little bit. He has been tried in every position, but he just hasn’t performed': Ex-England star makes bold claim about Manchester City man
Arsenal's William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes embrace each other in celebration at full-time of the Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on 25 January, 2025
Arsenal face losing Gabriel AND William Saliba, as new fears arise: report
Kevin De Bruyne of Man City in action during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Ipswich Town FC at Etihad Stadium on August 24, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Kevin De Bruyne touted for shock move to South American giants: report
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jose Mourinho, Head Coach of AS Roma, celebrates after the UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 18, 2023 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Jose Mourinho planning Premier League raid for superstar: report
Jack Grealish
Manchester City report: Jack Grealish poised for European switch, with price revealed