Lots going on at the BayArena: Arthur and Kögel at kids press conference - Meet & greet with three U19 players

The Werkself players took a lot of time out after their morning training session to fulfil requests for selfies and autographs. The fans had waited patiently and with great anticipation for around an hour and a half at the training ground and they watched the players with excitement during the session. As soon as training was over, the pens were out and the autographs followed.

Werkself player Arthur and Kristin Kögel from the Bayer 04 Women's team had a special activity in the afternoon: the Barmenia Gothaer children's press conference. The volume level was high when the right-back and the midfielder entered the press conference room at the BayArena. After thunderous applause, hands were in the air in no time - the hail of questions for Arthur and Kögel could begin.

Arthur on Music, Family and jungle dreams

One child wanted to know from Arthur what his hobbies were away from playing football. The Brazilian, who once again impressed with his good German, caused a few laughs with his answer: "I play the guitar a lot, but I don't sing very well." He also explained that instead of a football career, he would have liked to have taken part in a Brazilian TV programme about surviving in the rainforest for as long as possible. He also spoke about the important support he received from his family and his golden retriever Bento during his injury.

Kögel, meanwhile, talked about her Champions League dreams and confessed to occasionally playing herself on PlayStation with her little brother. When asked which team she was less keen on, the 26-year-old replied: "Because of the rivalry, FC Köln is the one that comes to mind. We're rivals on the pitch, but after the game we all get along." She also said she would have liked to become a primary school teacher if playing football had not worked out. Her best opponent, meanwhile, is Giulia Gwinn from Bayern Munich. "But I'm also friends with her, so of course you always want to play extra well against each other," joked Kögel.

While Arthur and Kögel were visibly enjoying themselves at the kids press conference, the three U19 players Ferdinand Pohl, Ben Hawighorst and Jonah Berghoff were all smiles at a meet & greet event with children from the Bayer 04 Football School. When asked about his favourite moments at Bayer 04 so far, 18-year-old Pohl said the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour, which he took part in last July as one of the young players, was a "very special experience". Meanwhile, Ben Hawighorst highlighted his first game for the Black and Reds and Jonah Berghoff signing for Bayer 04. "It was a great feeling, the hard and long work had finally paid off," said the 17-year-old midfielder.

why Berghoff wears the number 25 jersey

While Pohl counts Carles Puyol, and 17-year-old Hawighorst former Leverkusen player Jonathan Tah among their idols, Berghoff said his father is his biggest role model: "He always supports me and always gives me tips on how to improve. He's not bad himself." (laughs) The midfielder's favourite players are Thomas Müller and Werkself player Exequiel Palacios, which is why Berghoff wears the number 25 jersey in the U19 team.

The fact they have all taken part in first team training sessions from time to time and still are is also very valuable for the young trio, as Pohl and Co. said. Berghoff declared: "You realise the intensity is even higher there and everything happens much faster. You can never switch off and have to think about the next action early on."

games and fun at the Fanwelt

To mark the autumn holidays, there was also a lot going on outside and inside the Fanwelt on Tuesday. Young and old alike were able to let off steam at various activities such as the goal wall, the bouncy castle and table football. Bayer 04 mascot Brian the Lion was also on site and ensured a good atmosphere and plenty of souvenir photos.

On Wednesday, 15 October, fans can also enjoy the Fanwelt offers from 10:00 to 15:00 CEST - it's worth coming along! In addition to the games, there will also be a wheel of fortune with attractive prizes to be won - including discounts, instant vouchers, small gifts such as jelly babies or autograph cards and, with a bit of luck, even tickets for a UEFA Champions League match.