Overview

• FC Bayern München hosts RB Leipzig in the Friday night opener, with Leipzig debuting coach Ole Werner at 20:30 local time.
• Erik ten Hag says Bayer Leverkusen needed an overhaul and aims to “build a new era,” with recent signings confirmed; Claudio Echeverri is available, Loïc Badé is unlikely to feature, and Malik Tillman is not ready.
• Hamburger SV’s coach Merlin Polzin named Daniel Heuer Fernandes his No. 1 for the opener at Borussia Mönchengladbach, with captain Yussuf Poulsen and Jean‑Luc Dompé in line for short cameos after fitness issues.
• The DFL rolls out semi‑automated offside, in‑stadium referee announcements after VAR reviews, and wider RefCam use, alongside updated ball‑kid guidance for match operations.
• With heavy squad turnover and late fitness concerns across several clubs, 18 of 18 surveyed Bundesliga coaches still pick Bayern as title favourites, while teams like Werder Bremen face early personnel worries.