However, not all the pros are on their summer holidays – international players Julian Brandt, Bernd Leno and Jonathan Tah meet up today with the rest of the Germany squad for a training camp in Eppan (South Tyrol) where the 27-man group will prepare for the forthcoming World Cup (14 June to 15 July) under the guidance of national coach Joachim Löw up to 7 June. Three days before that, Löw will have to decide on his 23 players for the tournament in Russia.
As part of the World Cup preparations, ‘Die Mannschaft’ play Austria in a friendly in Klagenfurt on 2 June. This gives Brandt, Leno and Tah the possibility of a reunion with Julian Baumgartlinger who like Aleksandar Dragovic, currently on loan at Leicester City, was called up to the Austria scored yesterday by national coach Franco Foda. ‘Baumi’ has captained Austria since September 2016 but they have not qualified for the World Cup. In addition to the game against Germany, Austria also have friendlies against World Cup teams Russia (30 May in Innsbruck) and Brazil (10 June in Vienna)..
The final friendly during the ‘mission title defence’ for Germany is on Friday 8 June (19.30 CET, live on ARD) against Saudi Arabia at the BayArena. After the match, the draw for the first round proper of the DFB Cup (17 to 20 August) will be held at the Football Museum in Dortmund at 22.15 CET – the Werkself are one of 32 teams in the draw.
Since 2023, Bayer 04 has been organising regular free goalkeeping coach training sessions at the BayArena. As in previous years, the event attracted enormous interest in mid-October 2026. Around 140 participants – mostly goalkeeping coaches from the region, but also team and academy coaches as well as association staff – came to the Werkself stadium to gain expert knowledge on the subject of zonal marking. Through a theoretical keynote presentation and a practical session on the pitch, the participants gained insights into goalkeeping and goalkeeper training at Bayer 04.
Show more
The international break produced a full range of emotions for Bayer 04’s women. While four Leverkusen players were in play-off action to try and reach the World Cup, including two important goals, there were others in friendly action. Here’s a round-up of all the results…
Show more
The NB Vintage Collection is here and available now! Members enjoy an exclusive priority purchase period (online shop only). Non-members will then be able to purchase items from Saturday 17 October (10:00 CEST). Sales will also begin at the same time at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.
Show more
On Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League league phase, Lech Poznań suffered a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace. Now the Polish champions will be looking for a more successful outcome in their first home game against the Werkself this Thursday, 15 October (kick-off 18:45 CEST) - and banking on a strong attack. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
