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.
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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