That was on the agenda after the strenuous training sessions of the past week and Lehnhoff joined in briefly. For many older fans it was a nice reminder of the 90s when Lehnhoff was one of the most feared wingers in the Bundesliga.
Hard work in the morning
In addition to the football tennis tournament the current Werkself generation had a relaxed athletic session under assistant coach Oliver Bartlett. The recovery session clearly did the players good with something for everyone in the recent sessions including rugby training on Monday. “It’s good to have a day where it’s not so hectic,” admitted Kevin Kampl. Roger Schmidt and his fellow coaches gave the players the afternoon off on day six in Austria.
All change in the afternoon
After lunch, a group went paddling in Lake Zell right next to the training ground and another played frisbee golf. Several players like Kampl just wanted to explore and enjoy the beautiful landscape while Ömer Toprak joined new signing Rambo Öczan to the golf course near to the team hotel Tauern Spa in Zell am See-Kaprun. Öczan filmed a rather less serious attempt by his team-mate to hit the ball and posted it on Instagram much to the amusement of the former Leverkusen players and talented amateur golfers Sebastian Boenisch and Gonzalo Castro. Toprak took it in good part and responded with laughing emojis.
Schade welcomes fans
At the same time Michael Schade entertained the travelling Werkself fans at the team hotel. The Bayer 04 CEO invited some 50 supporters to coffee, cake and cold drinks and they listened intently to the short welcome address from the 63-year-old. Schade provided a review of last term’s successful campaign and also looked forward: “We are all kean to start the new season and that’s not far off. I would be happy to have a busy fixture list from now to May as we are once again focussing on the cup competitions: We want to get to Berlin again and reach the last sixteen in the Champions League once more.” The fans were happy to hear those words and they also spoke to the currently injured Stefan Kießling (hip) afterwards. Bayer 04 then invited all sponsors and members of the media to the traditional evening meal.
Four players leave
Four players left the training camp early on Tuesday evening: The 17-year-olds Atakan Akkaynak, Kai Havertz, Sam Schreck and keeper Tomasz Kucz left three days earlier than their senior team-mates as planned as they need to return to Leverkusen to work with the new U19 squad. Everybody agreed the four youngsters made a good impression in Austria.
Two coaches visit
The Werkself were cheered on by the kids attending the Bayer 04 soccer school on Tuesday. The football camp has been held in Zell am See every year and always attracts loads of children from the surrounding area. It is no surprise they are keen to get the autographs of Chicharito and Co. and particularly Julian Baumgartlinger, Kevin Kampl and André Ramalho who are well known and popular in SalzburgerLand. The training sessions was also observed by two renowned German coaches from the stand: Ralf Loose (Dynamo Dresden and Preußen Münster) plus Frank Kramer (Fortuna Düsseldorf, Greuther Fürth and TSG Hoffenheim)i.
#B04inAustria – Everything at the click of a button
Brian the Lion was out and about on Tuesday. The mascot used the afternoon off to join Stefan Kießling and Rudi Völler in the Bayer 04 cable car to explore the Areitalm. Panoramic photos can be seen using the hashtag #B04inAustria on Twitter. You can also discover a wealth of other information there on the #Werkself and #Bayer04. Other stories, photos and videos can be found on Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat. Just log on.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
Show more
Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
