"Thorsten Kirschbaum has great experience with a long time in the game and many appearances in the first and second divisions. He will have a positive effect on the training ground, sharpen everyone's awareness and he will push himself and his team-mates every day," said Bayer 04 sporting director Jonas Boldt. "We have three top-level keepers and are really well set up."
For Kirschbaum, the move to Europa League participants represents "a great opportunity at a top German club. Of course, it really appeals to me to be part of a team playing in Europe," declared Kirschbaum. "Everybody here can rely on me doing all I can to help Bayer 04 Leverkusen achieve their ambitious targets in three competitions."
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
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The Germany U19 team were beaten 2-0 by record champions Spain in the final of the U19 European Championship in Wales. Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan at SV 07 Elversberg) were in the starting line-up and played the full 90 minutes.
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