Back
24.03.2021Bayer 04

First session under Hannes Wolf: 120 energy-packed minutes

At his presentation on Tuesday, Hannes Wolf had a clear idea of what his first training session in charge of the Werkself should look like. "We immediately want to play football with pace and thereby develop the joy of playing," explained the new head coach. One day later, the 39-year-old and his team were on the training ground at the BayArena for the first time. He worked for two hours with Charles Aránguiz and Co.
20210324_NB_B04_Training_8089.jpg

Hannes Wolf welcomed 21 players to his first session in Bayer 04 kit. In addition to Niklas Lomb, the U19 goalkeepers Marcel Johnen and Jakob Brambach donned their gloves as well. Lukas Hradecky trained separately following his Achilles injury and Lennart Grill is set to play for Germany on Wednesday night against Hungary in the U21 European Championship (kick-off: 21.00 CET/ProSieben).

 

crop_20210324_NB_B04_Training_7935.jpg

Also on board under clear blue skies were Emrehan Gedikli, Cem Türkmen and Samed Onur plus the U19 players Yannick Schlösser and Achunike-Elijah Ekene. Recently injured players Paulinho and Sven Bender completed large parts of the session. After the warm-up routine, the Werkself players completed passing drills under the guidance of assistant coach and Bayer 04 stalwart Peter Hermann. The 69-year-old directed operations, issued instructions and gave advice – as he has always done in his long career.

Wolf's training message: "Use the pace"

Then it became more intensive: In a restricted space, outnumbered situations were created where goalscoring opportunities had to be battled for. Under the eyes of Fernando Carro, chairman of the board, and sporting director Simon Rolfes, Wolf interrupted proceedings a number of times to give players instructions. "We have so much pace in the team, we have to use it," was just one of the many messages from the 39-year-old.

 

20210324_NB_B04_Training_8128.jpg

Hermann's additional shift for the youngsters

While Charles Aránguiz and Co worked with the fitness coaches at the end of the session, Wolf's assistant Hermann gathered together the youngest players. He led passing and shooting practice with the five U19 outfield players plus goalkeepers Johnen and Brambach. At exactly 12.30 CET, Wolf, Hermann, Miguel Moreira and Co. left the training ground together after the first session was completed.

 

20210324_NB_B04_Training_8062.jpg

Wolf will hold his next session on Thursday with his first match as Werkself head coach coming up on Easter Saturday, 3 April (kick-off: 15.30 CEST) when bottom of the table Schalke 04 visit the BayArena. In the clash with the Royal Blues there should be a similar approach as in the first training session led by new coach Wolf.

 

Related News

Ticket-Infos
Bayer 04 - 14.07.2026

Tickets for the friendly fixtures in Nottingham and Newcastle

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.

Show more
Azubi-Ehrung von Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 14.07.2026

Bayer 04 congratulate three female apprentices on successfully completing their apprenticeships

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.

Show more
Teamfoto Deutschland U19
Youth - 12.07.2026

U19 European Championship in Wales: Germany, with Culbreath and Onyeka, lose out in final

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.

Show more
Paulina Tomasiak
Women - 10.07.2026

Poland international Paulina Tomasiak moves to Bayer 04

Bayer 04 Women have boosted their firepower with the signing of Poland international Paulina Tomasiak. The 24-year-old striker moves to Leverkusen from Gornik Leczna in her homeland on a two-year contract.

Show more