"We've worked on our fitness and the way we play, had two friendlies against good opponents and have not suffered any new injuries. It was a good training camp," said Peter Bosz in summing up the past few days. "The conditions and the atmosphere in the team a good," added the Dutchman. The head coach spoke at length to Bayer 04 TV.
In the morning, the bags and equipment were packed – a demob atmosphere was evident. Before the Bayer 04 group headed off in the direction of Leverkusen, the training camp finished with a regeneration session. After yesterday's double matchday with the two friendlies against the Premier League club Watford (1-2) and the La Liga side SD Eibar (2-2), the two fitness coaches Schahriar Bigdeli and Daniel 'Giga' Jouvin, together with the physio team, worked on relaxing the players muscles. That was done after breakfast in groups with short sessions in the weights room at the Hotel Tauern Spa.
After the final communal lunch it was time to load team bus and the Werkself set off on the approximately one-hour journey to Salzburg Airport. The charter flight left at 14.45 CET and landed at 16.20 CET at Cologne/Bonn Airport with the final stretch to Leverkusen being completed by bus. Anyone who wanted could stay there as the BayArena was hosting the Champions for Charity event.
While the Werkself were still up in the air, the action had already started at the BayArena. Dirk Nowitzki and Formula 2 driver Mick Schumacher were playing their Champions for Charity charity football match at the home of the Werkself in honour of the Formula 1 record world champion Michael Schumacher. In addition to lots of top athletes, Simon Rolfes, Stefan Kießling, Jens Nowotny and Ulf Kirsten were also involved with the game in aid of a good cause. In the end, the Schumacher team won 7-5.
Peter Bosz has given his players two days off this Monday and Tuesday – the Werkself will return to full training on Wednesday. Germany international Jonathan Tah will be there. Leon Bailey and Charles Aránguiz, who were also on extended leave after playing in tournaments, are expected back over the course of the week. In the middle of the week there will be a club Media Day. That means: "Smile please!" – for the new autograph cards.
The week ends on Sunday with another double matchday. Bayer 04 have two friendlies one after the other at the Kurtekotten Academy on Sunday 28 July against Heracles Almelo (15.00 CET) and Vitesse Arnhem (17.00 CET). Match tickets cost three euros and are available at the Bayer 04 shop in Wiesdorf. No tickets will be sold on the day of the games. Proceeds from the sale will be donated to the Leverkusen Fan Project.
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