As with every other morning at the training camp, the day began for the Werkself with CK tests. Before breakfast, Dr. Malte Krüger was waiting in the medical room in the players’ section in the Hotel Tauern Spa for the players. The head sports scientist at Bayer 04 takes a blood sample from the ear lobe or the finger pad – according to the the individual player’s choice – and then it is analysed. CK stands for creatine kinase: “It’s an important parameter for us. If the value is raised then that indicates a change to the muscular system,” explained Dr. Krüger. “This marker points to the intensity of the muscular load or muscular stress.”
The whole procedure primarily serves the well-being of the player. This should prevent injury and control excessive workloads. Dr. Krüger added: “We train very hard, particularly during the pre-season. That means the stress level for the muscles is immense.” The data from the CK tests plus the information from the physiotherapists on the general well-being of the players ends up with the coaching staff led by Gerardo Seoane. Then the decision is made about whether it is sensible for the players involved to have individual workload controls.
The ninth and final session at this year’s training camp in Zell am See ended on Thursday morning. In addition to match practice, the focus was on set pieces. This time Florian Wirtz was absent. The 18-year-old offensive player was missing due to a slight cold.
There was another birthday on Thursday. After Marcel Daum, analysis assistant coach, and Wendell, it was the turn of Christian Beckers to celebrate his birthday in Salzburger Land. The Werkself kit man, who looks after the team kit and also drives the team bus from time to time, is now 36. Many happy returns!
Jonathan Tah and Co. were in recovery mode and they watched the opening match between the German and Brazilian Olympic teams on a TV screen in the hotel lobby. In Yokohama, the Germany team including Nadiem Amiri in the starting eleven were already 3-0 down at half-time.
After the restart, the team under coach Stefan Kuntz were hopeful when Amiri scored to make it 3-1 (57’). The following dismissal of Germany captain Maximilian Arnold for a second yellow card offence put paid to those hopes. Paulinho, the second Olympian in the Werkself, came off the bench for the Selecao with fifteen minutes to go – and after Germany made it 3-2 he was involved in the goal for the final score of 4-2 for the South American team (90+5’).
While lots of teammates took their seats in front of TV screens, there were media interviews for a Black and Red quartet. Florian Wirtz, new signing Mitchel Bakker and head coach Gerardo Seoane spoke at a press conference with the travelling journalists as well as an exclusive with Sky. Goalkeeper Andrey Lunev, who moved to Leverkusen in the summer like Bakker, also fielded questions from the media representatives. Youngster Wirtz and Seoane were also guests on Bayer 04 TV, and Lukas Hradecky gave an exclusive interview to Spox.
In Julian Baumgartlinger, a Werkself player was away from the team hotel in the afternoon. The stalwart visited the 900-year-old castle in Kaprun. That was the venue for a photo shoot and a TV film for the Werkself partner, the tourism region of Salzburger Land. Baumi cut a fine figure at the photo shoot with keepy uppies. No wonder as the stay in Zell am See/Kaprun is like a home game for the midfielder. The Austria captain was born in Salzburg.
Kick it like Schick! – Florian Wirtz, Moussa Diaby and Mitchel Bakker have faced that challenge this week. On the turf at the Alois Latini Stadium in Zell am See, the trio tried to reenact the breathtaking Euro 2020 strike by Patrik Schick to make it 2-0 against Scotland. The Czech Republic player with the Werkself rounded off the scoring with a goal from the halfway line. Who won the challenge? HERE is the video.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 midfielder Jonah Berghoff ahead of schedule. The Germany U18 international has signed professional terms with the club to 30 June 2030.
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With sixth place at the end of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, Bayer 04 ended a season in the top third of the table for the ninth time in a row. While the Werkself were narrowly eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by eventual finalists Arsenal, the Black and Reds reached the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third season in succession. As in previous years, you once again have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app up to and including 11 June.
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With 46 points in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Bayer 04 Women’s team once again broke the previous season's club record and ended up in fifth place - 15 wins is also a record. As in previous years, you now have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is open exclusively to Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app by 11 June.
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The guests at the Scala Club in Leverkusen were amazed when host Reiner Calmund suddenly brought the Managing Director of Sport at Bayer 04, Simon Rolfes, and record Werkself appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn onto the stage. As part of the show "An Evening with Football & Friends", organised by long-serving Bayer 04 managing director and general manager Calmund, the two surprise guests drew plenty of applause - and provided great entertainment in exciting conversations about the past and future.
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