The Werkself players arrived in good mood late in the afternoon for the first training session of the new year. Before the players went on the pitch, there was a warm-up session inside the BayArena including several stretching exercises. Fans already present were able to watch the Werkself warm up from above.
Around seven o'clock, the Bayer 04 players entered the pitch at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium to the backdrop of thunderous applause and vocal support from the 1,700 fans. Also in the group were youth players Artem Stepanov, Othniel Raterik and Andrea Natali.
In the presence of the sporting managing director Simon Rolfes and director of professional teams Thomas Eichin the session started in icy temperatures of two degrees with passing and receiving drills in small and large groups. Head coach Xabi Alonso kept a close eye on proceedings and again and again made a contribution. The goalkeeping trio including captain Lukas Hradecky as usual worked separately with goalkeeping coach David Thiel. To follow up there were more intensive drills in tight spaces as well as a sprinting session.
After the intense session, the returning Werkself players took time out for autograph and photo requests from the fans present.
The training sessions on Saturday and Sunday will be behind closed doors. On Sunday, 5 January, the Werkself have a friendly at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium against Regional League side Rot-Weiß Oberhausen. The match kicks off at noon CET. All the tickets for game have been sold but there will be a free live stream on Werkself TV as well as on YouTube.
The first competitive match for Bayer 04 in the new year follows on Friday, 10 January (kick-off: 20.30 CET) away to Borussia Dortmund. Away tickets for the first match of the year for the German double winners have all been sold. The first game for the Werkself at the BayArena is on Tuesday, 14 January (kick-off: 20.30 CET) against Mainz 05. Remaining tickets are available HERE.
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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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Kennet Eichhorn. Bayer 04 have signed the 16-year-old midfielder from Hertha Berlin. Read on to find out more about our new signing.
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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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