After two and a half weeks training at home following individual plans and the start of working in small groups at the BayArena on 1 April, the head coach welcomed his team back as a group to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. With the exception of Kevin Volland, who is in rehab training following an ankle injury, all the first-team players were back on the pitch.
The Werkself now have just over a week to prepare for the first game away to Werder Bremen on Monday 18 May with a 20.30 CET kick-off. Over the next few days it will be about getting back up to speed as quickly as possible and, above all, to gather strength for the busy fixture programme facing the teams in the Bundesliga.
"It feels good to be able to complete a normal full training session. And these sessions are important to get back in a competitive frame of mind," said Jonathan Tah. "I welcome the fact the games are starting again next week. Now we have a concrete target we can work to. Excitement is increasing and motivation is high."
The Germany international is not yet ready to talk about normality. "We're tested regularly. And we answer questions on our state of health every morning. And the regulations relating to hygiene and distancing our ever-present. We're very aware that it's a special situation and that we carry a special responsibility as professional footballers. The politicians have given us the privilege of being able to complete the season. We have to, and want to, justify that through discipline and level-headed behaviour."
Images from today's full training session:
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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