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.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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