Germany played World Cup winners France in their first outing in the newly created European competition (Group A). In the first match since the early exit in Russia, Joachim Löw's team were on top for much of the game but failed to convert their chances and the encounter ended in a 0-0 draw –Julian Brandt, Kai Havertz and Jonathan Tah did not get on so Havertz has to wait for his debut on the international stage. That could happen on Sunday (9 September, 20.45 CET) when Germany play Peru in a friendly in Sinsheim.
Aleksandar Dragovic (Austria), Issac Kiese Thelin (Sweden), Tin Jedvaj (Croatia) were in action with their national teams in friendlies on Thursday night: Austria beat Sweden 2-0 in Vienna. Kiese Thelin played in the first half for the visitors and Dragovic came off the bench for Austria for the second half. At the same time, World Cup runners-up drew 1-1 with Portugal – Jedvaj came on after 35 minutes.
Jakub Bednarczyk started for the Poland U20s (substituted on 85 minutes) in a 3-0 defeat against Italy in an eight team tournament in Lodz. New signing Paulinho played for the Brazil U20 team on Wednesday in 1-0 victory away to Mexico.
While their team-mates are away from Leverkusen on international duty, the rest of the Werkself in Leverkusen continue with their training regime. After the closed session on Wednesday, Herrlich's squad trained again yesterday morning. Good news: Wendell has recovered from the knock he picked up against Wolfsburg, which sidelined him for the past few days – the Brazilian full-back completed an individual 45-minute session on the neighbouring pitch.
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
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New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
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