Head coach Tayfun Korkut said his Werkself had a "good week of training" with Julian Brandt, Ömer Toprak and Jonathan Tah set to return to full training. "The team have accepted the challenge. We are ready, and in positive mood, to put our plans into action in the derby," declared Korkut who was also happy at being able to welcome back Vladlen Yurchenko during the week. "The medical section has done great work and we're trying to get all returnees back into full training and do all we can to have as many players as possible available for selection."
With reference to the opponents FC Köln, Korkut said he had "exactly the same amount of respect as for all opponents in the Bundesliga." Korkut added: "FC are a very solid group who defend as one and are quick to play on the break. And then they also have Anthony Modeste who's enjoying a great year. It's a matter of controlling it all."
Korkut is very much looking forward to the derby. "Emotions are important and crucial for a derby. But it's also about keeping a clear head, to start the game in control and end it in the same way. The team knows what they've got to do. If we show our quality on the pitch then we'll get a result. It's a great challenge for us all. We feel a positive pressure to get on top of all these factors.
First part of final training session open to fans
Ahead of the 60th Bundesliga derby between Black and Reds and Red and Whites, Bayer 04 are mobilising all possible forces to secure top-flight status with a win against FC Köln. That's why Bayer 04 supporters have an opportunity to show their backing for the team at 15.30 CET on Friday. Tayfun Korkut and his fellow coaches have decided to make the first part of the final pre-match training session in the afternoon open to the public. After that the Bayer 04 pros will complete the second part of their session behind closed doors.
The #finallyRED campaign is calling for supporters to turn the home areas at the BayArena into a sea of deep red on Saturday to show the commitment of the Werkself faithful for the important game against FC Köln. On Saturday at 13.30 CET there will also be a ‘motivational guard of honour’ from the fan pub Stadioneck to the motorway bridge along Bismarckstraße to give the players a boost as they arrive at the stadium.
Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
Show more
Plenty going on both on and off the pitch: The Bayer 04 fan support team has organised a number of highlights for fans visiting the Werkself 2026/27 summer training camp in Blankenhain, in the Weimarer Land region. Registration for the events is now open. All the details at a glance.
Show more
The Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s team and s2-Software are continuing their long-term partnership: The Werkself and the provider of pre-owned Microsoft licences have extended their contract by two years to 2028. This means s2-Software will remain the Bayer 04 sleeve sponsor for all matches in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga.
Show more
BIOGENA is the new performance partner for the Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s team. Under a partnership initially set to run for three years, the club and the leading Austrian micronutrient company are pooling their expertise in the areas of health, fitness and top-level performance.
Show more
