The signing and announcement of the contract was held in a formal setting: SalzburgerLand invited Bayer 04 to the casino on Zeller See. The Werkself took the opportunity to turn out in force. “This is our fifth year here. This partnership is an absolute win-win situation for our club,” declared Bayer 04 managing director Michel Schade. “The facilities are excellent, the training ground is in great condition. Salzburger Land is an ideal location for a training camp. That’s why we keep coming here,” said Schade.
Bayer 04 sporting director Rudi Völler is not unduly concerned by the rainy weather this year: “We’ve always had great weather in the past. I don’t think it’s a bad thing the sun hasn’t shone as much this time. It’s more comfortable for training than extreme heat. The groundsmen are doing an outstanding job under these weather conditions too.”
“Feels like a family”
Leo Bauernberger, CEO of SalzburgerLand Tourismus GmbH: “We are very happy to continue our partnership with a top German club. The training camp in Zell am See/Kaprun obviously plays an important role. North-Rhine Westphalia is an important target market for Salzburger Land. We can use our partnership with Bayer 04 at our events to showcase the beauty of Salzburger Land.” The CEO of the holiday region of Zell am See/Kaprun, Renate Ecker, sees contact with Bayer 04 as much more than a partnership: “Guests have become friends. And now it feels like a family.”
This is the fifth year the Werkself have been in Salzburger Land for pre-season preparations. The Hotel Tauern Spa in Kaprun is once again the base for the team and the Alois Latini Stadium, home to FC Zell am See, the venue for the many intensive training sessions.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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