"We have invited our first team players here today to show the team what Bayer is all about and what our company actually does. The team should experience our scientific work with all their senses today," explained communications director Sonja Diewerge.
The Bayer 04 players spent an hour in small groups finding out about the different work areas of Bayer AG via lectures, films and interactive exhibits. The workshops provided the opportunity to test body scanners or experiment using test tubes to determine pH values.
Heiko Herrlich and Kai Havertz additionally had the chance to get to know their bodies a bit better. With the help of Bayer employees, the Werkself head coach was able to identify his own DNA in an experiment. The youngster Kai Havertz slipped into a so-called ageing suit that enabled the 18-year-old to appreciate the typical limitations experienced by older people such as impaired vision or reduction in strength. In spite of the circumstances, Kai Havertz still showed his above-average talent by demonstrating his ball control.
Bayer 04 have won each of their last five competitive encounters with 1. FC Köln, and it's around seven years since their last defeat in the cathedral city. That said, the hosts are in strong form at home and will make it anything but easy for the Werkself at the RheinEnergieSTADION on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 15:30 CET). The Matchday News.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-0 win against Hamburger SV on Matchday 9 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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1. FC Köln host Bayer 04 on Sunday 8 November (kick-off 15:30 CET) in the 75th Bundesliga derby between the Rhineland neighbours. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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The Werkself have the chance to end an intense run of fixtures with a derby victory as they visit Köln on Sunday ahead of the international break. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke on Friday at his press conference about the attributes his team needs and the support of the fans.
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