The Werkself trio can take a break up to 2 June before the Germany squad meets up in Venlo for a short training camp in preparation for the two qualifiers.
While Julian Brandt and Kai Havertz will then be able to go on holiday, the services of Jonathan Tah will be required for the U21 European Championships (16 to 30 June in Italy and San Marino). Three days after the Estonia match, the 23-year-old defender will join up with the rest of the Germany junior squad at their team HQ. At the U21 Euros, the holders Germany face Denmark (17 June, 21.00 CET) and Serbia (20 June, 21.00 CET) in the group stage. "Jonathan Tah knows this situation as he is one of the key players in the U21s and the captain. At the same time, we want to keep on introducing him at the highest level," said Germany coach Joachim Löw in explaining his decision before adding: "Basically, players who have been with the senior squad obviously gain in confidence. And that can only help the U21s in a tournament."
Germany U21 coach Stefan Kuntz highlighted Tah's role as an "absolute leader on and off the pitch". According to Kuntz, the Werkself number four will not find it difficult joining up with the rest of the team at the training camp (2 to 11 June in South Tyrol).
The Croatia Football Association announced on Monday that Tin Jedvai is in the World Cup runners-up squad for the Euro qualifier against Wales (8 June) and for the friendly against Tunisia (11 June).
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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