Leno and Brandt contributed to Germany winning the Confed Cup in Russia last summer. And with impressive performances in the Bundesliga and DFB Cup they could again be considered by Joachim Löw. The same applies to U21 international captain Tah, who – exactly like Leno – received a vote of confidence from the Germany coach at the European Championships in France two years ago. "I'm very happy the three are in the provisional World Cup squad. Bernd, Jonathan and Julian have earned that after a great season at Bayer 04 where they were top performers and now they will do all they can to make it to Russia," said Bayer 04 sporting director Rudi Völler.
Bernd Leno was first included in the Germany squad in October 2015 and has since earned six caps. Last season, the 26-year-old Werkself number one only missed one competitive match (in the league against Borussia Dortmund due to a knee injury) – in the remaining 38 games he was in goal for the Herrlich team. Julian Brandt is also undoubtedly one of the key players at Bayer 04 and he played in every competitive match for the Black and Reds this season. The 22-year-old midfielder scored 12 goals (including nine in the league) and also provided seven assists. He made his full international debut at the end of May 2016 and has since played 13 games for Germany scoring one goal. U21 captain Jonathan Tah (three internationals) made his debut for Joachim Löw two years ago with the 22-year-old central defender primarily featuring for the Germany junior team. This season he has played 33 games for the Werkself (28 in the league, five in the DFB Cup) and he is one of the best ball winners in the league (with over 70 per cent of challenges won).
In addition to Leno, Brandt and Tah, Werkself pro Tin Jedvaj can dream of playing in the World Cup in Russia: The 22-year-old defender has been called up to the provisional Croatia squad by national coach Zlatko Dalić.
The Germany squad with 27 players set off for a training camp in South Tyrol next week. After a friendly against Austria (2 June, 18.00 CET), Joachim Löw will have two days to inform FIFA of his 23-man squad for the World Cup finals. The final squad will have one last friendly ahead of the tournament on 8 June when Germany meet Saudi Arabia at the BayArena (19.30 CET).
The first World Cup game for Germany (Group F) on 17 June (17.00 CET) is against Mexico with the road to the Round of 16 bringing the other group matches against Sweden (23 June, 20.00 CET) and South Korea (27 June, 16.00 CET).
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
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New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
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