Jonathan Tah is still in Central America. The 6 foot 4 defender flew out to Mexico City last Sunday (15 May) with teammates, coaching staff and club management for the #Bayer04MexicoTour. Tah and Co. are set to return to Germany on Saturday 21 May.
The Hamburg-born defender will not have much time before moving on to national team duty. The Germany squad have a training camp in Marbella from 23 to 27 May. Hansi Flick’s team will meet up to prepare for the forthcoming international fixtures in Herzogenaurach from 30 May. There are matches in the UEFA Nations League against Italy on 4 June, England on 7 June, Hungary on 11 June and Italy again on 14 June.
Tah has made 15 full international appearances for Germany to date with the Bayer 04 number four having previous played for the U16, U17, U19 and U21 Germany teams. In addition to our defender, Hansi Flick has also called up the former Werkself players Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz and Benjamin Henrichs. The latter two progressed through all the teams at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre.
Which other Werkself players are set to be called up for the forthcoming international break will mainly be announced next week. Lukas Hradecky, Charles Aránguiz, Piero Hincapie and Co. have good reason to be selected given the third-place finish in the Bundesliga and associated qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
Show more
Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
Show more
Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
