For 'Kirsche' and his fellow goalkeepers Rambo Özcan and Tomasz Kucz, there was a lot to do towards the end of the session: Shooting practice was on the agenda – Lucas Alario, Leon Bailey, Karim Bellarabi, Dominik Kohr, Sam Schreck, Kevin Volland, Mitchell Weiser fired in shots from all angles. In contrast to yesterday's session, Sven Bender was missing. The reason: The 29-year-old, accompanied by a Bayer 04 team doctor, was in Munich for a control examination. His brother completed an individual training session in the gym at the BayArena.
Bayer 04 supporters will not be able to see the Bender twins on Wednesday: The afternoon session will be held behind closed doors at the request of the coaching staff.
Both Lars and Sven Bender will be involved on Wednesday (5 September) when the remaining players plus the coaching staff support the Bayer 04 employees on the 'Wir(04)helfen day'. For a fourth time, the club is spending a day working at a social facility in Leverkusen. This year it is the Wildpark Reuschenberg. The Werkself delegation will help with the revamp of part of the otter enclosure, install new bicycle stands, repair benches or paint tables.
Bayer 04 have a new sleeve partner this season: Kieser Training is a Premium partner with the Werkself. The extensive sponsorship package includes a range of advertising opportunities including photo shoots. Today, Tuesday, that took place in the second floor of the BayArena with Rudi Völler (managing director sport) and the two players Karim Bellarabi and Kevin Volland. One thing is sure: It was an entertaining shoot and the footage is sure to be seen soon.
Julian Brandt has worn the number 10 shirt for Bayer 04 since the summer of 2017. Hakan Calhanoglu had left the club, the number was available and Jule was quick to take his chance. When he was offered the same number for his shirt with the Germany squad, the 22-year-old did not need much time to make up his mind. "It's an honour to wear the number 10 shirt," said Brandt at a Germany press conference this afternoon – he emphasised he had not put in a request for the prestigious number. On Thursday (6 September, 20.45 CET) , Jule, who had the number 20 shirt at the World Cup in Russia, could wear the number 10 for the first time in the international against France.
Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
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In the final international break in the current 2025/26 campaign, Bayer 04 striker Patrik Schick with Czechia will be battling for a place at the World Cup. Meanwhile, national teams that have already qualified, include other Werkself players called up, are involved in friendlies in the build-up to the World Cup. Read on for an overview of the Leverkusen internationals and their match dates.
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The Werkself kicked off the final international break of the current season on Monday morning with the first of three open training sessions this week. While eleven Bayer 04 players will be away on international duty in the coming days, the other players will be working together in Leverkusen. The next challenge in the Bundesliga awaits on Saturday, 4 April (kick-off: 15:30 CEST) with the home game against VfL Wolfsburg.
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