Bayer 04 Brazil Tour – Day nine blog: Fun footvolley tournament on the beach for successful conclusion

+++ 23 July, 15.11: Departure from Rio +++

After intensive days of training, team building and unique moments it's now time to say farewell to Rio de Janeiro. Sun, beach, Christ the Redeemer, Maracanã: The Brazilian backdrop has made an impression. Plus, valuable sessions on the pitch, exciting experiences away off the pitch and, above all, every amount of increased team spirit. The lads are now ready for the next step of the preseason. ‘Esquenta’ – Check!

The lads arrived at the airport, wended their way through the souvenir shops and are now on board the plane. The flight will land on Thursday morning CEST. At this point we say goodbye from the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. We thank you for reading and following all the impressions from the special training camp. Take care, see you soon!

+++ 23 July, 11.17: Sun, sand and fun playing: Footvolley action on the beach +++

That was another really atmospheric, final morning here in Rio. The lads have just completed an activation session on the beach in front of the team hotel in the form of a footvolley tournament. With sand under their feet and the waves of the Atlantic just a few metres away there was action galore around the nets. Present were Werkself players and youth players plus – at the tender age of 62 – the team manager Hans-Peter Lehnhoff.

Divided up into teams of four, with sunshine and blue sky above, there were three games played at the same time. The lads threw themselves into the sand with lots of fun and an equal amount of ambition and played rallies with Brazilian ease. Head coach Erik ten Hag watched his players in action and he too was in a good mood.

More and more spectators came to watch. A large number of visitors to the beach stopped, enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and lively music. Bayer 04 mascot Brian the Lion was also there and he primarily ensured the youngsters enjoyed themselves.

After all the teams played each other in the group phase, the final was between the two teams with the most points. And the final could not have been more exciting! Up to the last seconds the team made up of Robert Andrich, Jarell Quansah, Niklas Lomb and youth player Nebe Domnic were winning 9-8, but with moments to go Jonas Hofmann, Lukas Hradecky, Nathan Tella and Ferdinand Pohl levelled the scores.

The next point was the winner – and that was secured by Hofmann and Co. The Leverkusen number seven led the way as the winners celebrating frenetically launched themselves into the roaring waves of the Atlantic. After cooling down, Hradecky received the winners’ trophy from Fernando Carro and club legend Paulo Sergio. There could not have been a more atmospheric and at the same time more suitable finish to this Bayer 04 Brazil Tour.

+++ 23 July, 09.52: Rolfes and ten Hag assess training camp +++

Ten days, nine training sessions, one friendly plus countless impressions, insights and experiences: At the end of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour in Rio de Janeiro, managing director of sport Simon Rolfes and head coach Erik ten Hag draw initial conclusions. In addition, Rolfes talks about squad planning and competition while ten Hag sums up his first days of training with the whole squad. The key statements from the duo.

THE KEY STATEMENTS

+++ 23 July, 09.47: Schick gives training camp assessment +++

To pass time at work or on the sofa you can watch an interview with Patrik Schick on Werkself TV. Our Czechia striker gives his assessment of the training camp after intensive and eventful days in Rio de Janeiro. And he also talks about the special experiences of the preseason in the land of the five-time World Cup winners, friendships within the squad and his anticipation ahead of the new season...

+++ 23 July, 08.32: The final day has begun +++

For a last time we say: Bom dia! from Rio de Janeiro. The Bayer 04 group heads back home to Leverkusen today. Most of the bags are packed and are ready to go. The lads are first having breakfast and then they will have a short, final recovery session on the beach. See you later.