The conditions for the start of the New Year could hardly have been better: Over 100 Werkself fans took advantage of the good weather to watch the training session led by Xabi Alonso. Before the Bayer 04 head coach started with a warm-up routine, the Werkself players welcomed teammate Exequiel Palacios with loud applause – and, of course, the obligatory guard of honour from all the players, coaches and members of staff. The 24-year-old was the only player in the Bundesliga to win the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Argentina just before Christmas. The midfielder is now back in Leverkusen.
20 outfield players and three goalkeepers took part in the first, 75-minute session of the New Year on the training ground at the BayArena. Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Patrik Schick and Joshua Eze worked on their own, and Daley Sinkgraven missed out due to illness. The warm-up routine was followed by practice matches in restricted space and passing drills.
"I think we’ll be able to feel the effects of the first session in our legs tomorrow," said skipper Lukas Hradecky with a smile following the training session. The Finn added: "We’ve all come back in a good mood and we're ready to work hard. We want to improve on the last six months. We are going to give 100 per cent in the coming weeks."
While the Werkself keeper was fielding questions, Bayer 04 fans had gathered at the exit of the training ground for selfies plus autographs with Mitchel Bakker and Co. World Cup winner Palacios was particularly popular. One young fan came up with a bright idea and brought a replica World Cup with him – to be able to get a special photo with the Argentinian. Palacios was also in demand with the members of the media present.
After showering and lunch, Palacios was then given a rousing reception from the Bayer 04 members of staff at the BayArena. Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes presented the World Cup winner with a gift and the Werkself player joined in with the group photo.
The Werkself will complete preparations over the winter break in Leverkusen rather than away on a winter training camp. Head coach Xabi Alonso will hold daily sessions with his players this week ahead of the friendly against Venezia on Saturday 7 January (kick-off: 15.00 CET). All the training sessions are currently open but may be subject to late changes. The training session on Wednesday 4 January starts at 10.30 CET with the rest of sessions in week beginning at 11.00 CET. The Werkself have Sunday off.
Bayer 04 play the fourth and final friendly of the winter break against the Danish champions FC Copenhagen at the BayArena on Sunday 15 January (kick-off: 13.00 CET). The first Bundesliga fixture in 2023 sees the Werkself visit Borussia Mönchengladbach a week later on 22 January with the kick-off at 17.30 CET.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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