The team were based at the Sporthotel Lindner in Westerburg from 17 to 23 August for the second year in succession during the pre-season. "The training pitch is just round the corner, three minutes away on foot. The facilities are brilliant," said Jessica Wich. There were up to three training sessions a day – and every morning at seven o'clock there was a five-kilometre run around Wiesensee. "The atmosphere in the team was good and everybody was in a good mood. After a couple of days there were also heavy legs…," added Wich. "The sessions at the training camp are definitely more strenuous. We reached our physical limits – but that's the point of the pre-season."
Assistant coach Jacqueline Dünker also drew a positive conclusion: “We've learned that there is a lot to get out of our players at a training camp. That's why we've used the time we had available – so one session was longer than planned," revealed the 34-year-old. "In addition, we were also able to sit down with the players to discuss tactical things for example, which we don't have the time for in a week of normal training sessions."
The main intention for the coaching staff in the pre-season is to bring the players together as a unit. This summer has seen the Werkself Women's squad strengthened with the addition of eight new signings and three players coming through from the youth ranks. "As we have so many new signings it was important to us that the girls had time off to get to know each other. We slightly adjusted the coaching plan – but we also had three more days at the training camp compared with last year," said Dünker. Wich added: "Our new signings introduced themselves with a little song and show routine and that was very funny. They've all got different characters. They immediately fitted in with the team and I think they felt well received."
Further impressions of the training camp are available in the video above.
Alejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
Show moreDay three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
Show moreThe Bayer 04 Women's first-team squad has taken on three homegrown players: Louisa Remien, Paula Schwartze and Amy Wrigge will be part of the Bundesliga team for the new season.
Show moreAt the Casa do Alemão, a small, cosy restaurant in the middle of Rio de Janeiro, the guests with Currywurst and German beer had the best view from the upper floor of the imposing mountain scenery surrounding the Brazilian metropolis. 30 Bayer 04 fans experienced this special atmosphere on Wednesday afternoon. For the first time, Werkself fans from Brazil and Germany met each other at an official meet & greet with club legend Paulo Sergio. In a high-spirited atmosphere, Sergio revealed one or two funny stories and the Bayer 04 fans had lively discussions with each other…
Show moreDay two of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour can begin. Today, Wednesday 16 July, the Werkself have two training sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. There will also be a meet & greet for fans with club legend Paulo Sergio. As usual, Bayer04.de will keep you up-to-date with on-site reports. The blog on day two of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings in local time).
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