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.
Bayer 04 will be preparing young talents for a potential sporting career in an even more systematic way in future. The club is breaking new ground to help develop their academic, social and personal skills as well. With the ‘Haus der Talente' or 'Talent House’, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH is creating a new centre for the development of young athletes in a central location in Leverkusen. Once completed – expected to be in the summer of 2027 – the project will be run in partnership with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen e.V.
Show more
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen on the 26th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
Show more
Bayer 04 Women have finished in fifth place after the best Bundesliga season in the club's history in terms of points. Roberto Pätzold's side went down 3-1 at home to SV Werder Bremen on the final matchday. With 46 points and 15 wins, they've bettered the previous record campaign of 2024/25. Despite periods of pressure, Cornelia Kramer's 73rd-minute strike was not enough at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, and the Werkself miss out on European qualification despite a strong end to the season.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed a conract extension with home-grown talent Sofie Zdebel by a further year ahead of schedule. The 21-year-old Germany U23 international will stay at the club until 30 June 2028.
Show more
