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.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Women's coach Roberto Pätzold have agreed an extension to their successful partnership. The 45-year-old has agreed a one-year contract extension to 30 June 2027 following the best Bundesliga season in the history of the Women's team.
Show moreBayer 04 have signed Tim Oermann on a contract to 2029. The central defender, who can also play at right-back, joins the Werkself from VfL Bochum following their relegation from the Bundesliga. Bayer 04 will loan out the Germany U21 international to the Austrian champions SK Sturm Graz for the 2025/26 season. Bayer04.de profiles Oermann.
Show moreBayer 04 have signed defender Tim Oermann. The central defender, who can also play at right-back, joins the Werkself from VfL Bochum following their relegation from the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old has a contract to 30 June 2029. Bayer 04 will loan out the Germany U21 international to the champions of Austria SK Sturm Graz for the 2025/26 campaign.
Show moreThe Silver Boot award from the VDV players union: Werkself player Florian Wirtz has again been voted Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2024/25 by his fellow professionals following on from his win last season in 2023/24.
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