Bosz is happy his players were able to switch off for a few days over Christmas and New Year. “It’s also good for clearing your mind,” said the Dutchman who was pleased to welcome his players back to the training pitch at Leverkusen: “That’s important. We’re flying out to the training camp tomorrow and then we only have a couple of days before the Bundesliga gets going again.” The Black and Reds are away to SC Paderborn 07 on Sunday 19 January (kick-off: 18.00 CET).
In the first training session of the new year, Bosz and Co. focussed passing and shooting after the warm-up routine with and without the ball. It was clear to see that the Werkself players were happy to be back on the pitch. 17 outfield players and four goalkeepers took part in the session including Lars Bender and Mitchell Weiser who completed a first full training session after returning from injury.
The South Americans Lucas Alario, Charles Aránguiz, Wendell, new signing Exequiel Palacios plus the Jamaican Leon Bailey were absent. “They’re flying straight to the training camp and will join us on Sunday,” said Bosz who is looking to mainly use the time in Spain “to talk to the players a lot and prepare well. Most of the players know our style of play very well but we want to keep on working on it and make slight adjustments. We can improve in all areas and if we can get a bit better across the board then can be worth a lot put together.”
Paulinho will not travel to Spain. The Brazilian striker is with his country’s Olympic team preparing for the qualifying tournament in Tokyo from 18 January to 9 February.
Asked about the winter signing Palacios, who will train with the Werkself squad for the first time in La Manga, Bosz explained: “He will get time. It will be important for him to get used to Europe, Germany, the Bundesliga, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, the language – those are lots of changes. We saw a similar situation with Moussa Diaby where it also took a bit longer.”
After the training session, Bayer 04 head coach talked about a possible contract extension with his current deal due to end in the summer: “Since I started here, I’ve always said I’m very happy. It’s fun working here. We’ll talk at the training camp. This issue doesn’t need to take months.”
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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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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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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