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.
The men's clothing retailer LERROS will remain the official fashion and premium partner of Bayer 04 for the current season. As in the past, LERROS will provide the club's men's team, coaching staff and management with high-quality clothing for international trips.
Show more
“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.
Show more
Bayer 04 produced a dominant and impressive 4-0 win over Union Berlin as they picked up three points in their first home game of the 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign. Exequiel Fernández opened the scoring after only 41 seconds, with Facundo Medina doubling the lead before the half-hour mark. Patrik Schick and Ibrahim Maza continued the procession in the second period, in which Moussa Diaby came on for his first Leverkusen appearance for over three years.
Show more
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.
Show more
