One thing is certain since Sunday night and the DFB Cup draw: The Bundesliga second half of the season game on Saturday 15 February (kick-off: 15.30 CET) away to FC Union Berlin will not be the last meeting between the Werkself and the team from Köpenick in the current campaign. The Bundesliga teams face each other in the DFB cup quarter-finals, albeit at the BayArena. Today, the DFB announced the timings for the last eight ties: Bayer 04 entertain Union on Wednesday 4 March at 18.30 CET. The match will be broadcast live on Sky, Sport1 and Werkself Radio (at bayer04.de).
DFB Cup quarter-finals:
Tuesday, 3 March, 18.30 CET: 1. FC Saarbrücken v Fortuna Düsseldorf (Sky)
Tuesday, 3 March, 20.45 CET: FC Schalke 04 v Bayern Munich (ARD/Sky)
Wednesday, 4 March, 18.30 CET: Bayer 04 Leverkusen v FC Union Berlin (Sport1/Sky)
Wednesday, 4 March, 20.45 CET: Eintracht Frankfurt v Werder Bremen (ARD/Sky)
Following today's FFT session (football fitness training), head coach Peter Bosz spoke to journalists on being positive about the competition for places in holding midfield. "Nadiem (Amiri, ed) did a great job against Dortmund, Lars (Bender, ed) did too," said the 56-year-old. After today's return of Exequiel Palacios, Charles Aránguiz and Julian Baumgartlinger to full training, it appears unlikely that Lars Bender will play in holding midfield. Bosz added: "Nevertheless, it's good to know as a coach that there is another option in this position." The Dutchman was also happy with the development of Daley Sinkgraven. The 24-year-old has started in the last four games after recovering from a thigh injury. "I know what Daley can do as I worked with him for a year at Ajax. After an injury, it's always difficult to find your rhythm again. But he's on the right track," said Bosz about his fellow countryman.
Central defender Jonathan Tah today celebrates his 24th birthday. Even at this young age, the Hamburg born defender can already look back at 167 games for Bayer 04. The 1.95 metre giant has scored four goals and provided seven assists. A notable achievement: Tah has only been sent off once: In a 2-1 away win for the Werkself at Bayern Munich (November 2019).
The Internet portal transfermarkt.de today published a special update of its market values. This included Leverkusen's winter signing Edmund Tapsoba. The market value of the 21-year-old was increased from 4.5 to 16 million euros. The central defender joined Leverkusen from the Portuguese top-flight side Vitória Guimarães.
The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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