Born in Willich on the Lower Rhine, 60 kilometres from Leverkusen, Janis Blaswich joined the Borussia Mönchengladbach youth set-up at the age of 15. Three years later, in 2009, he made his debut for the Foals' reserves against the Bayer 04 reserves. Blaswich then stayed with Borussia M'gladbach II for a further four years before going out on loan to Dynamo Dresden (2015/16) and Hansa Rostock (2017/18) - and becoming a first-choice player at each of the third division clubs. Blaswich's performances helped Dresden to clinch the third division championship and promotion to Bundesliga 2.
He finally left Borussia Mönchengladbach for good in the 2018/19 season and moved abroad for the first time to Heracles Almelo. The 1.93 metre tall goalkeeper stayed in the Netherlands for four years, making more than 100 appearances in the Eredivisie during that period.
Blaswich returned to the Bundesliga in the summer of 2022 and joined RB Leipzig. Initially pencilled in as number two, he made a total of 64 competitive appearances for the Saxons, including a 2-0 win in the 2022/23 DFB Cup final against Eintracht Frankfurt. He followed that up by also lifting the Supercup.
It was also during the spell at RB that national coach Julian Nagelsmann handed him his first call-up to the DFB squad, and Blaswich was part of the German national team for a total of four internationals.
Last season, Leverkusen's new signing played on loan at Austrian Bundesliga club Red Bull Salzburg. There, the 34-year-old was immediately appointed captain and led the team out in the first nine league games as well as in four Champions League matches. Blaswich missed out on playing against Bayer 04, but subsequently returned to action against Real Madrid, among other sides.
After various stints in Germany, the Netherlands and Austria, Blaswich is now looking forward to "playing for the most high-calibre club in my home region and one of the best clubs in Germany. I'm absolutely thrilled about what lies ahead."
Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
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New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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