Back
28.04.2020Bayer 04

Training during the coronavirus pandemic

An exemption clause by the state health ministry has enabled the Werkself to resume training during the coronavirus pandemic. This possibility is based on professional athletes having the opportunity to be able to their jobs. The return to training in groups is a small step in the direction of normality – but not like it used to be at the BayArena as yet. The arrangements in pictures...
20200424_schueler_Training_047.jpg

Social distancing

Hygiene rules, social distancing, recommended behaviour – Dr. Karl-Heinrich Dittmar, medical director and also pandemics officer at Bayer 04, and his team have taken measures to prevent the Werkself contracting coronavirus. Training is held in groups at different times and in different locations at the training ground – the sessions are being held both at the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium as well as on the speed court, in the Werkstatt and on the training pitches. That makes it possible to maintain social distancing.

 

 

 

crop_20200427_NB_B04_Training_76555.jpg

 Taking temperatures, cleaning hands

Before the start of all the training sessions, everybody has to have their temperatures taken. Five devices were sourced for the BayArena and the Bayer 04 to check the temperatures of every player, coach and member of staff. Leon Bailey shows how it’s done: Just stand in front of the camera; within seconds the temperature is read from the forehead. The device sounds a warning with a raised temperature . Training can start if there’s a green light. After the first hurdle, there are hand sanitisers located at various points across the Bay Arena. 

crop_20200424_schueler_Training_079.jpg

Alternative kit arrangements

Instead of the usual route to the dressing rooms, Kerem Demirbay and Co. now use the Mixed Zone. The distribution of kit has been moved there temporarily. The area is more spacious than the dressing rooms and that avoids any problems with collecting or returning training kit and boots.

 

crop_20200424_schueler_Training_068.jpg

Showers ban at the ARENA

The Werkself players get changed in different areas. In addition to the home dressing room, the away changing room and facilities for youth teams and conference rooms are also used. That guarantees the maintenance of social distancing from each other before and after the sessions. Showers after training sessions are not permitted at the BayArena at the moment.

 

 

 

crop_20200424_schueler_Training_046.jpg

Food to go

Communal meals in the morning and at lunchtime are also off the agenda. It’s not sociable but nobody is left hungry – there is breakfast and lunch but individually packed to take away. Drinks are provided as is fruit and the dish of the day. The players can serve themselves in turn. 

 

 

crop_20200424_schueler_Training_026.jpg
sky_2004_movie_300x250.jpg

Related News

Trainer Carles Martínez und Co. beim Fanclub-Treffen
Fans - 24.08.2026

Kicking off the new season together: Carro, Rolfes, Martínez and players at fan club meet-up

One day after the successful DFB Pokal first round tie at SV Wehen Wiesbaden (4–0), the mood was understandably really good: Over 400 Bayer 04 supporters gathered on Sunday, 23 August, for the annual fan club meet-up at the BayArena and got in the mood for the new season through direct and informal discussions with Bayer 04 management, head coach Carles Martínez and Werkself players.

Show more
Women: TV-highlights of 2-0 win at RB Leipzig
Werkself-TV - 23.08.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 2-0 win at RB Leipzig

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-0 win at RB Leipzig on the 1st matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.

Show more
Jubel der Bayer 04-Frauen
Women - 23.08.2026

Second-half double brings Bayer 04 Women opening win in Leipzig

Thanks to an efficient second half, Bayer 04 Women kicked off the new Bundesliga season with a hard-earned 2-0 win at RB Leipzig on Sunday afternoon. A quickfire double from strikers Cornelia Kramer and Maja Sternad after the break earned coach Roberto Pätzold's side the first three points of the campaign.

Show more
Die Werkself bei den Fans nach dem Spiel in Wiesbaden
DFB-Pokal - 23.08.2026

Werkself Review: 'A good start' in Martínez's competitive debut

It was a perfect start for Bayer 04: in Carles Martínez's first competitive match as Leverkusen head coach, Patrik Schick broke SV Wehen Wiesbaden's resistance shortly before half-time. The Black-and-Reds pulled clear in the second half, winning by a final score of 4-0. There was also good news on the personnel front. The Werkself Review of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal first-round clash.

Show more