The Mexico striker took time out to pose for photos with the waiting fans and sign autographs as the squad stepped onto the training ground for the first session just after eleven o’clock. The Werkself had a busy day with an hour-long fitness session in the gym prior to putting theory into practice on pitch number one at the BayArena.
In glorious sunshine and a very pleasant 29 degrees Lars Bender, Karim Bellarabi, Wendell and Co. were led through through a range of drills and runs by fitness coach Oliver Bartlett.
Stefan Kießling and Ömer Toprak completed individual sessions at the BayArena in the morning. When the ball came into play in the afternoon the duo joined in with the rest of the squad on the training ground for an intense work-out (sprints, passing and a long game).
The demanding training programme involves four training sessions ahead of a third friendly against TUS Koblenz on Friday night (18.30 CET).
Chicharito is expected to be followed back to Leverkusen in the next few days by Hakan Calhanoglu, Julian Baumgartlinger, Rambo Özcan, Admir Mehmedi and Tin Jedvaj. Copa America winner Charles Aránguiz returns to training on Monday. Bernd Leno and Jonathan Tah will rejoin their team-mates at the training camp at the end of next week.
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
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Bayer 04 plans for the 2026/27 pre-season continue to take shape. The Werkself will kick off the new season in mid-July with the return to the training ground. The highlight will be the official season opener on 8 August at the BayArena, including a friendly against La Liga club Sevilla. Friendlies in Germany will take the team to neighbouring Monheim, Offenbach and Jena.
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