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.
Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
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Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
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Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.
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In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!
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