The group involved in training at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Wednesday included Jonathan Tah, Robert Andrich (both Germany), Alejandro Grimaldo, Aleix Garcia (both Spain), Jeremie Frimpong (Netherlands) and keeper Lukas Hradecky (Finland). While Germany and Spain qualified for the semi-finals in the UEFA Nations League, Frimpong went out at the quarter-final stage with the Oranje. Hradecky played two games for Finland in the World Cup qualifiers (interntaional updates).
After a training session at the start of the week, Nordi Mukiele fielded questions from journalists. The 27-year-old said looking forward to the game against Bochum: "There's great anticipation but we are also on our toes. We recently saw what they are capable of in Munich (3-2 win at FC Bayern, ed.).” Looking back at the last few days, the Frenchman added: "The win in Stuttgart, the incredible comeback has given us a lot for the rest of the season. We have been able to recover somewhat during the international break so that we can go into the training this week with power and energy. We want to prepare as best as possible and we definitely want to win with our fans at our stadium on Friday."
His personal development under the Cross since his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer of 2024 was also of interest to the media. Mukiele, who started seven of the last eleven league matches, said: "Perhaps my start wasn't the best. But I've always worked hard and never lost my focus. In addition, the coaches, my teammates and the staff here have really helped me and always supported me. Now I want to give my all again with the team and win as many games as possible."
The Werkself will be kept busy after the home game against VfL Bochum. Third division Arminia Bielefeld are the opponents in the DFB Pokal semi-final on Tuesday, 1 April (kick-off: 20:45 CEST). The following Saturday brings a Bundesliga away fixture at FC Heidenheim on Saturday, 5 April with the kick-off at 15:30 CEST. Tickets are available for the away section HERE.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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