Back
26.08.2016Bayer 04

Werkself five in Germany squad

Germany coach Joachim Löw has called up five Bayer 04 pros for the two international fixtures against Finland in Mönchengladbach on 31 August and against Norway in Oslo in the World Cup qualifier on 4 September. The European Championship duo Bernd Leno and Jonathan Tah are joined by Julian Brandt, Karim Bellarabi and Kevin Volland.
© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Löw has selected 24 players, including Max Meyer, Julian Brandt and Niklas Süle who won silver medals a week ago at Rio 2016. Commenting on the trio, Löw said : “Max Meyer and Julian Brandt have already been with us and we wanted to get to know Niklas Süle. The three youngsters earned their call-ups through their very good performances. I think they see the call-up as motivation and inspiration to produce consistent performances. With players like them we are looking to take the next step in their development. They have great potential. As a general rule: The door to the national side is open. I’m sure other players will get their chance in the coming months.”

For Karim Bellarabi and Kevin Volland this represents a return to the Germany squad after missing out on Euro 2016.

Next Wednesday’s international against Finland will be the final international appearance for Bastian Schweinsteiger. The captain announced his international retirement a few days after the Euros and the game against the Scandinavians will be cap number 121 for the 32-year-old. The game in Mönchengladbach was also supposed to present a chance for Lukas Podolski to bid farewell on the international stage. Due to injury, Podolski will have to catch up at a later date.

© Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fussball GmbH

Related News

Carles Martínez Novell
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026

Carles Martínez Novell is new Bayer 04 head coach

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.

Show more
Carles Martínez Novell
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026

Profile of Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez Novell

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.

Show more
Sommerfahrplan
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026

2026/27 summer timetable: season opener against Sevilla - friendlies in Germany

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.

Show more
Konstantinos_Kotsifakis.jpg
Bayer 04 - 03.06.2026

Konstantinos Kotsifakis set for assistant coach role with Bayer 04 U19s

Strengthening the Bayer 04 Leverkusen youth teams: Konstantinos Kotsifakis will join the Werkself from Bundesliga 2 club Hertha Berlin for the 2026/27 season, where he will be a permanent member of the Leverkusen U19 coaching set-up. The German-Greek will also take on an operational role in coaching the Bayer 04 Future Team. The 29-year-old was most recently head coach of the U17s at Hertha Berlin.

Show more
BayArena
Bayer 04 - 03.06.2026

Runner-up for Pitch of the Year: Bayer 04 again recognised for outstanding pitch quality

Another award for the Bayer 04 head groundsman and staff: After coming top in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons, the BayArena pitch came second in the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year ranking for the 2025/26 season. VfL Wolfsburg secured the top spot this year, with TSG Hoffenheim in third place.

Show more