
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."

“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
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The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
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The Bundesliga returns to the BayArena for 2026/27 as Bayer 04 host Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST) looking for their first points of the season after last week’s opening loss at Elversberg. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke ahead of the game about what he’s learned, the team’s newest signings and who could return to the squad.
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