Martínez Demands Leipzig Performance As Leverkusen Face Mainz

Carles Martínez wants Bayer Leverkusen to replicate the performance that secured their 2-0 win over RB Leipzig as they travel to Mainz on Saturday.

The Werkself return from the international break looking to build momentum after a mixed Bundesliga opening, with both teams entering the fifth matchday on seven points.

Speaking at Friday's press conference, Martínez made it clear that the display against Leipzig remains the standard he expects from his players.

The match kicks off at 15:30 CEST at the MEWA ARENA, where Die Schwarzroten will be supported by approximately 3,100 travelling fans.

Martínez Wants More Than A Repeat Result

Leverkusen's victory over Die Roten Bullen was arguably their most convincing performance of the season so far.

Martínez's side combined defensive organisation with a more effective attacking structure, limiting Leipzig's opportunities while taking advantage of their own.

The challenge now is demonstrating that the performance was not an isolated improvement.

The club has collected six of its seven Bundesliga points at home, managing only one point on their travels. Mainz have experienced almost the opposite situation, collecting six points away from home and just one at their own stadium.

Martínez, however, dismissed the significance of those contrasting records.

For the Leverkusen coach, the priority is maintaining the intensity and collective discipline his players demonstrated against RB.

Kofane Ruled Out As Boniface Emerges As An Option

Martínez will have to manage his attacking options carefully.

Christian Kofane has been ruled out for several weeks after suffering a muscle injury in his left thigh while representing Cameroon.

The 20-year-old's absence leaves Patrik Schick carrying much of the responsibility in the centre-forward position.

However, Martínez confirmed that Victor Boniface could be involved if Schick needs to be rested or replaced.

Boniface's limited recent playing time means his involvement will need to be managed, but his availability gives Martínez another possibility during a demanding period.

Guéla Doué and Kennet Eichhorn are also unavailable.

Martínez confirmed that Doué's recovery is progressing according to plan, while the coaching staff remain in regular contact with Eichhorn during his absence.

Fernández Earns Martínez's Praise

One player who has made a particularly positive impression is Ezequiel Fernández.

The midfielder's recent performances earned him his first call-up and debut for Argentina, recognition of his growing importance at Leverkusen.

Martínez explained that he deliberately approached every player without allowing previous seasons to influence his judgement.

Fernández's development offers another example of the competition Martínez is trying to establish throughout his squad.

Leverkusen Ready For A Demanding October

The international break allowed Martínez to work individually with players who remained in Die Werkself, while also holding more detailed conversations about their development.

But the coach is pleased to have the entire squad returning to competitive football.

Saturday's match is the beginning of a demanding run featuring seven competitive fixtures in 22 days.

Leverkusen will face Freiburg, Hoffenheim and Stuttgart in the Bundesliga, alongside European commitments and a DFB Pokal tie against Nürnberg.

Managing the squad will become increasingly important, but Martínez's immediate objective is straightforward.

He wants the same commitment, organisation, and attacking confidence that helped Die Werkself defeat Leipzig.

A victory in Mainz would provide an important first step towards turning that performance into sustained momentum.

From here the stage only gets bigger.