No usual warm-up routine
There was plenty to do in the morning. Instead of the usual warm-up routine, the coaching staff carried on where they left off the day before: With a tough training session. The Werkself players went through a range of moves at high tempo for over 75 minutes. As in the days before, the ambition of every player was evident in terms of going to the limit and helping to encourage their team-mates.
Group photo on the pitch
After the session there was the chance for the numerous Werkself fans to have their picture taken in a group photo. That was a thank you from Bayer 04 for their loyalty. Some 50 fans happily accepted the offer of a photo with their heroes. The players then took time out to sign autographs before returning to the team hotel. The time between lunch and departure for the ground was used for an afternoon sleep or relaxation.
The running option
After the training session, Heiko Herrlich and assistant coach Lars Kornetka thought of running rather than going on the coach. While other members of the Bayer 04 group took the 15-minute journey back to the team HQ on the bus, Herrlich and Kornetka opted to run back.
Friendly against Antalyaspor
In the evening the Herrlich team took on Turkish first division side Antalyaspor in a friendly with Cameroon international and former Barca star Samuel Eto'o in their squad. In spite of the exertions of recent days, the Werkself produced an impressive performance but were unable to crown that with a win. The match ended 1-1. During half-time, Karim Bellarabi called in to see Bayer 04 TV. The striker is currently suffering with muscle problems and is training on his own. In a Facebook live interview he spoke to commentator Niko Hartmann about his current state of fitness.
Christian Nerlinger pays a visit
The Werkself received another visit from a VIP in the football business on the fourth day: Former pro Christian Nerlinger, who now works as an agent for Jonathan Tah, called into the Bayer 04 team hotel where he took time for conversations with friends and acquaintances. And, of course, with his charge Jonathan Tah.
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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Following the summer break, most of the players are back in Leverkusen. While two Bayer 04 first-team players are still in action at the World Cup, the players present officially kicked off the new season with fitness assessments. At the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 rehabilitation and training centre, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba and the rest of the squad worked up quite a sweat in the sweltering summer heat. New signings Afonso Moreira and Kennet Eichhorn also successfully completed the day’s sessions alongside their new team-mates.
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The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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