Before getting to work with the ball on the grass again this coming week, Sunday was all about the obligatory medical and athletic testing, which saw the players undergo all sorts of examinations from their head to their feet, as well as internal medicine and orthopaedics. The Werkself players then completed various exercises related to coordination, mobility and stability along with spirometry on the treadmill.
To this end, the 17 players appeared punctually in small groups throughout the day on the third floor of the BayArena. Victor Boniface and Odilon Kossounou, for example, got things under way at 9 am, followed by new recruit Andrea Natali and birthday boy Jonas Hofmann. In the afternoon, it was the turn of the likes of summer signing Aleix Garcia, Amine Adli and Edmond Tapsoba. Captain Lukas Hradecky quipped in between his tests: "Unfortunately, I've only completed the first half - the harder part is still to come with the running," adding: "I look forward less to this day, and much more to being back on the pitch with the lads tomorrow and having fun."
On the subject of being back on the pitch, head coach Xabi Alonso will welcome his players to the training ground for the first time since the summer break tomorrow, Monday 15 July. The session outside the gates of the BayArena is set to start at 11:00 CEST and is open to the public.
Euro finalist Alejandro Grimaldo and Exequiel Palacios, who is involved in the Copa América final with Argentina, will miss the start of pre-season training along with a number of other internationals, who are enjoying a well-earned holiday following their tournament appearances straight after the end of the season.
Find an overview of the first open sessions HERE.
The second international break of the 2025/26 season will begin after the Bundesliga match against Union Berlin (Saturday, 4 October, 15:30 CEST). The latest information on call-ups.
Show more
Alejo Sarco and Argentina won their second group match at the U20 World Cup in Chile on Wednesday night. They beat Australia 4-1 with Sarco setting the tone early with a goal in the third minute. As in the first group game against Cuba, where Sarco scored twice, the 19-year-old was also named "Player of the Match" against Australia.
Show more
Second game, second draw in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26: The Werkself were held to a 1-1 draw by Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven on matchday two in the league phase. After an early but brief setback in the form of an offside goal by Ivan Perisic for the visitors (5'), the Werkself took control and created numerous good chances in the first half. Leverkusen took a deserved lead after the break in the 65th minute through Christian Kofane. However, PSV's Ismael Saibari replied a few minutes later to level at 1-1 (72').
Show more
In the second match in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26, the Werkself host PSV Eindhoven this Wednesday evening, 1 October (kick-off: 21:00 CEST/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). PSV have injury problems but are in confident mood after winning two consecutive league titles. PSV coach Peter Bosz and keeper Matej Kovar are two familiar faces who have fond memories of their Bayer 04 days. The latest information on the UCL match at the BayArena can be found in out matchday news.
Show more
Bayer 04 beat PSV Eindhoven 3-2 on matchday two to clock up the next three points in the UCL Youth League 2025/26. In front of just under 500 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, the visitors from the Netherlands led at half-time, but the Werkself turned the game round in the second 45. That makes it two wins on the bounce after the victory in Copenhagen.
Show more
