In a good mood and looking refreshed, Herrlich faced the questions of the journalists where he commented...
...on the fitness levels of the team:
"The players are happy to get going again. Over the long summer break they had a good chance to recover, particularly in terms of mentality. Of course, we hope to go as far as we can in all competitions – that would mean a packed fixture list right up to the winter break. An extra week's holiday doesn't make that much difference. Training plans were issued for the time off – and I'm sure the lads will come back in very good condition. That was also the case last year: In relation to fitness and athleticism we were among the best teams last season – we were really fit! Obviously, now we have to work on details."
...on confident latecomers:
"On the one hand, it's an advantage to have all players together when training restarts. On the other hand, I'm obviously happy to have players come back from tournaments with confidence and hopefully success That spreads to the other players in the squad. I'm happy we've got the Cup winner Lukas Hradecky in the team and I hope he'll pass on his confidence. Now we're hoping Tin Jedvaj can go as far as possible in the World Cup with Croatia. "
...on the squad:
"The squad is more or less complete. One or two are possibly thinking about a move and we will have to make adjustments in that case. I'm assuming I'm going to go into the new season with the squad. If I had a free choice then it would be at the back on the left – Although we've always managed well when Wendell hasn't played. And I still think it's important to have a central striker who is good in the air. That's just a wish I've expressed before. We'll see what happens."
...on Julian Brandt's performances at the World Cup:
"He showed how important it was that he was there. He posed a real threat in all his brief appearances. I thought after the first game, and certainly after the second, that he might get the chance to start. Obviously he's disappointed and the whole situation has affected him. But Julian did a very good job and he can be happy with that. We've given him extra time off so that he comes back hungry and motivated."
...on targets for the season:
"It's a pity we didn't qualify for the Champions League. Of course, that was a disappointment in the end. Our aim again is to qualify for Europe. Beyond that our ambition is to improve and finish in the top four."
...On the 'bike training camp':
"I've always had very good experiences with bike rides. You can't run all the time as that has an effect on the joints. Cycling gives you a completely different base. Now we have a season in front of us where we need that good base to deal with all the challenges facing us. That's why we're doing this 'training camp' with three days on the road.' It's not crossing the Alps but it will be a good workout."
To all Bayer 04 fans: The Fanwelt will be closed all day next Monday 30 June. This is due to preparations for the change of kit supplier from Castore to New Balance on Tuesday 1 July.
Show moreThe Norway U23 international Julie Jorde has completed the move from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Brøndby IF. The twelve-time champions of Denmark have signed the midfielder on permanent terms after her loan move from the Bundesliga to Denmark in the winter.
Show moreIt is almost two years since Bayer 04 new signing Abdoulaye Faye first stepped foot into the BayArena as a player for the Swedish club BK Häcken in the opening match in the 2023/24 Europa League campaign. A day before his nineteenth birthday, the central defender did not play in the 4-0 win for the Werkself but it was "an incredible night" for him on 21 September 2023 as he explained in his first interview on bayer04.de. "I watched the players and saw the fans. I liked it." It was also the first European night early on in his career. He only joined the then champions of Sweden in the cold north of Europe from his home in Senegal a few weeks before that special moment. Bayer04.de profiles our new defender.
Show moreWelcome, Abdoulaye Faye. The 20-year-old Senegalese central defender joins Leverkusen from top-flight Swedish club BK Häcken. In his first interview he talks about his move to Bayer 04 and his targets with the Werkself.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the Senegalese central defender Abdoulaye Faye. The 20-year-old joins the Bundesliga side from Swedish top-flight club BK Häcken. Faye has penned a contract at Leverkusen to 30 June 2030.
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