Bayer 04 Brazil Tour – Day 1 blog: Arrival, beach and training

+++ 15 July, 13.59: The training ground Ninho do Urubu +++

The first Werkself training session in Brazil starts in 60 minutes. Ahead of that we would like take a closer look at the legendary training ground of CR Flamengo, Ninho do Urubu.

Situated to the west of Rio de Janeiro, Flamengo's training ground counts among one of the best and most modern in Brazil and the whole of South America. The site was bought by the club in the 1980s and financed by the sale of club legend Zico to Udinese. However, it did take three decades before it became a real training centre. Today it is one of the main reasons for the success of CR Flamengo.

Just some of the players who came through the ranks at Flamengo are Real Madrid's world star Vinícius Júnior, Lucas Paquetá (West Ham United) as well as João Gomes (Wolverhampton Wanderers).

In addition to six football pitches, three used by the first team and three by youth teams, there are also smaller artificial pitches. For other pitches are planned as well as a small stadium. There are also two modern buildings in the complex: one for the first team players with 42 rooms and one for the youth players with 24. A state-of-the-art fitness facility, a water park for regeneration, analysis and video rooms plus medical facilities at a top level are also available.

+++ 15 July, 12.34: The youth players at the training camp +++

In addition to the Werkself first team players, there are several youth players on board in Brazil (HERE you can see the full training camp squad). Before the first training session this afternoon we are taking opportunity to profile the youth players at the training camp.

TO THE ARTICLE

+++ 15 July, 10.13: Quick facts on Brazil +++

Before we get going and the Werkself this afternoon – in the evening at your time – complete the first training session, here are a few facts about Brazil.

• Official name: República Federativa do Brasil (Federal Republic of Brazil)
• Motto: Ordem e Progresso (Order and progress)
• Area: 8,510,418 square kilometres (Fifth biggest country in the world)
• Population: 203,080,756 (Seventh highest in the world)
• Language: Portuguese, plus German (1.5 million)
• Capital: Brasília
• Currency: Real (BRL), 1 Euro = 6.33 BRL
• Religion: Roman Catholic (64.6%)
• The three biggest cities (according to population): 1. São Paulo (23,000,000), 2. Rio de Janeiro (6,211,164) 3. Brasília (2,718,082)

+++ 15 July, 08.33 : WhatsApp channel for travelling fans +++

By the way: The Bayer 04 Fan liaison team have set up a WhatsApp channel 4 fans in Brazil. Are you here? Then register via WhatsApp on the matchday mobile number of the fan liaison team +49 (0)152-22880104.

+++ 15 July, 07:49: Welcome from Paulo Sergio +++

Sun, the sound of the sea and Brazilian joie de vivre: The Werkself have just arrived at their hotel and are given a fitting welcome. At the accommodation – sited directly on one of the most beautiful beaches in Rio – a tenderly prepared setting awaited the Bayer 04 group. Brazilian straw hats, multicoloured sunglasses and fresh coconuts were handed out to the players, staff and co. With local mood music playing in the background, waves lapping the shore and clear blue sky above the atmosphere was visibly relaxed.

The first person to speak on the microphone could not have been more apt for this moment: Club legend Paulo Sergio. The Brazilian, who played for Bayer 04 for four years, said in the sunshine on the long, white beach: "I'm very happy you're all finally here. In my homeland. Above all, I'd like to thank Fernando and Simon who made the whole thing possible. The organisation has been brilliant and you will all have a great time here!"

Paulo Sergio talked to bayer04.de on the beach about the emotional moments for him and the Werkself program in the coming days.

TO THE INTERVIEW

And the hotel staff also provided a warm welcome to Bayer 04. Head coach Erik ten Hag and goalkeeping coach David Thiel played a spontaneous round of mini beach tennis and then everybody went to their rooms and then to a communal breakfast.

+++ 15 July, 05.58: 'Bom dia!' aus Rio +++

Touchdown! The Bayer 04 group arrived safely in Rio de Janeiro after a twelve-hour night flight. It is 6 o'clock in the morning here and the time difference to Germany is five hours. So we say ‘Bom dia’ from Rio – and good morning to Germany.

For the players, staff and co. it's through immigration control and straight to the team hotel.