Some 100 fans took up the invitation from Bayer 04 and came to the Hotel Tauern Spa in Zell am See-Kaprun. Meinolf Sprink, director of fans/community, greeted the fans on the terrace of the restaurant. "Welcome! We are very happy that we can finally meet here again and talk to each other after the enforced break due to the coronavirus pandemic," said the 63-year-old.
That was followed by a Q & A session with Simon Rolfes. The honorary captain and current sporting managing director was enthusiastic about the past few days in Salzburger Land: "We not only have great weather but also a fantastic atmosphere – both in the team and with the coaching staff as well as with the fans." The 40-year-old went on to answer questions on the squad and he also provided a brief preview of the forthcoming Champions League campaign.
The players and fans met up for a group photo at the Alois Latini Stadium on Tuesday, and today there was the traditional kickabout between Bayer 04 staff and fans ahead of the meeting with the fans. The Werkself team included Simon Rolfes, honorary captain Stefan Kießling and team liaison manager Hans-Peter Lehnhoff.
All the players were exhausted but clearly happy after two 20-minute halves. "Of course, I'm happy that we were able to win the game again this year," said Rolfes with a wink of the eye when he spoke to the fans later on.
After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
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Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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Due to the last-minute postponement of the Bundesliga match between Hamburg and the Werkself on Tuesday, 13 January, Bayer 04 will reimburse the ticket price to all 3,500 fans who had already travelled to Hamburg as a sign of appreciation. The tickets remain valid for the rescheduled match (date not yet set).
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without centre-back Edmond Tapsoba in the coming weeks. The Burkina Faso international returned to the Werkself from the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with a muscle injury.
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The Bundesliga fixture between Hamburger SV and Bayer 04 Leverkusen has been postponed at short notice.
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