The winger was in the starting eleven on Monday night for the France U21s in Azerbaijan. The game ended in a 2-1 victory that saw Moussa Diaby and Co. secure important points in the race to qualify for the U21 European Championships next year. France remain second in Group 2 but are top in the rankings of the second-placed teams – making qualification for the Euros appear almost certain.
Also on Monday night, Austria entertained Romania in the Nations League. Werkself stalwart Julian Baumgartlinger led his team onto the field as captain with Aleksandar Dragovic on the bench this time. Austria were unable to build on their 2-1 win in the opening game against Norway; they suffered a 3-2 defeat against Romania. Baumgartlinger and Co. are now second in Group 1 (League B).
There was a double blow for the Germany U21s, with Werkself keeper Lennart Grill in the side, in the middle of the first half against Belgium. Central defender Amos Pieper was shown a red card on 18 minutes for a professional foul and the resulting free kick ended up in the back of the net (19'). Lukas Nmecha levelled for Germany on the half-hour mark. However, the hosts succeeded in clocking up a 4-1 win. Grill and Co. now have to worry about qualifying for the U21 European Championships. Germany are currently fifth in the ranking of second-placed teams – the last position that ensures qualification for the Euros.
There was a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final in Paris on Tuesday night. World Cup winners France entertained Croatia in League A (Group 3) of the Nations League – and again left the pitch as winners. At the end of an entertaining encounter, the French side secured a 4-2 victory. Werkself player Tin Jedvaj did not play for Croatia on the night.
The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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