Ahead of the toughest session of the week, most of the pros were in the players lounge at 07.15 CET. Lars Bender and Co. usually arrive for breakfast at the BayArena around 08.45 CET but getting up early was on the agenda today. The reason: Due to temperatures above 30 degrees, the coaching staff decided to bring forward the session to nine in the morning.
The Werkself players still put in a shift and were sweating and not just because of the temperatures. Peter Bosz constantly drove his players on and they had to finish the session with a tournament on small pitches. Again and again tackles, shots and intensive sprints. Even the goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky was exhausted after the final whistle was blown by the head coach. "I can hardly speak," said the 29-year-old who did manage to find his voice again when he spoke to the representatives of the media where he covered the areas where the Werkself need to keep working in spite of three successive wins for starters: "I want to have another clean sheet at long last. I don't like conceding goals at all."
One player who often was successful in achieving that missed the session on Tuesday. Jonathan Tah reported sick on Monday. The Werkself number four was better today but only able to complete an individual session on the ergometer in the Werkstatt. However, the medical department are confident that the Germany international will be able to rejoin his team-mates at the closed training session on Thursday.
Lucas Alario, who was present today, received very good news yesterday. After a break of two years, the Argentinian has been called up for his national side again (three caps, one goal). Alongside stars like Paulo Dybala and Nicolas Otamendi, the 26-year-old will be in the squad for the forthcoming friendlies in the USA against Chile (6 September) and Mexico (10 September). "Being called up again came as a bit of a surprise. Nevertheless, I'm obviously proud to have the chance to play for my country," said Alario as he thanked the national coach Lionel Scaloni, "for giving me this chance. It's great motivation for me to continue working hard on my game. I will enjoy the moment and definitely use the chance I now have."
The call-up also pleases head coach Peter Bosz: "I've got to know him as a lad who always does his job and has never complained to me: 'Coach, why aren't I playing?' Or: 'I've scored three goals. Why can't I play from the start again?' A lot of players do that. And that's okay. But he works and battles."
Before Saturday's Bundesliga fixture, all eyes at Leverkusen will be on Monaco on Thursday evening. The group stage for the UEFA Champions League will be drawn from 18.00 CET. While a delegation led by Fernando Carro, the chairman of the board, will be at the event in the Grimaldi Forum, Lukas Hradecky will be watching it on television. "I've waited 30 years for it," joked the 29-year-old who is set to play in Europe's premier club competition for the first time. "To hear the anthem at last, and play against the best clubs in Europe: That's always been on my bucket list." And the Finland keeper also has a wish regarding his first away tie. "Even when I was a small child I dreamed of playing at the Camp Nou." The home of Barcelona – Bayer 04 have played the Spanish side eight times in the Champions League. There is certainly room for improvement there with just one win and one draw so far.
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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