
The fans waited around 90 minutes at the training ground for the Werkself players to secure sought-after autographs or selfies.











After the training session, Granit Xhaka was involved in another special activity: the now traditional children's press conference at the Bayer 04 Soccer School. Xhaka, who received rapturous applause in a packed out press conference room, revealed to the 100 youngsters present that teammate Jeremie Frimpong was "by far" the funniest teammate in the dressing room and that the winner in the 1-0 victory in the 2024 DFB Pokal final against FC Kaiserslautern ranks amongst the best and most important goals of his career, which he "will not forget in a hurry."
The Switzerland international also revealed to the children why he wears the number 34 jersey: "I always used to travel to training sessions in Basel on the number 34 bus route. When I was allowed to choose a squad number at Basel there were five available including 34. I took that number – and I still like wearing it today."
On winning the Bundesliga title last season, the midfield maestro said: "Sometimes I still can't believe it. Particularly as the way we won – unbeaten – was so special. There were very many beautiful emotions last year. We all knew the history of the club and the wait of 120 years. It was incredible – for us, for the club and for the fans."








While Granit Xhaka brought great joy to the children at the Bayer 04 Soccer School with his remarks, Nathan Tella spoke to a small group of the media after the training session: "We are focused on the remaining games. I will remain positive and confident as long as it's still mathematically possible. We'll definitely keep going and give our all!"
On his time at Bayer 04 to date, he said: "I received a really good reception at Leverkusen. I got off to a rather slow start here and it took a while to find my feet. Now I’ve found my position, I feel really good and I see my future here at Bayer 04. Coming here was definitely good for my own development."

Under the motto ‘Sound of Dreams - #aCROSS Europe 2025/26’, Bayer 04 are turning this season's UEFA Champions League season into a festival. In addition to a Spotify playlist that fans can use to get in the mood for the Champions League nights, there is also a tour pass with stickers for the respective UCL matches exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members. These could be picked up in the respective weeks of the matches. The sticker for the final clash in the league phase (Villarreal, 28 January, 21:00 CET) is now available at the Fanwelt. The competition for all diligent sticker collectors is also now open. Read on for further information.
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This afternoon, Saturday 24 January (kick-off: 15.30 CET), Bayer 04 host SV Werder Bremen, who are winless in their last seven league games. Nevertheless, in their last outing, a 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they conceded a late equaliser, the Green and Whites did show their team spirit. The Werkself, led by birthday boy Patrik Schick, will be looking to counter this and secure their first three points of the new year on this ‘!Never Again’ remembrance matchday to commemorate the victims of National Socialism. Read on for the latest information in today's matchday news.
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Happy birthday, Patrik Schick! On his special day, it's not just the Czech striker who can look forward to lots of presents and hopefully many more goals – Bayer 04 fans can also get their hands on a free number 14 print when they buy a Werkself jersey today, January 24! In addition, a match-worn jersey belonging to the now 30-year-old will be raffled off among all purchasers next week.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 win at 1. FC Union Berlin on the 15th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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