"The health ministers of the states join the federal health minister in the firm conviction that it is not possible to open the stadiums for spectators against the background of the pandemic," was contained in a press release after the meeting of the Conference of Health Ministers (GM K) on Monday night. The German Football League (DFL) reacted to the political decision on Tuesday. The "main priority" obviously remains the "containment of the coronavirus." At the same time, it should be "the target in all areas of life to endeavour to return in the direction of normality. The DFL and the clubs from the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2 will accordingly continue to prepare as best as possible for the return of spectators to stadiums."
The 36 professional clubs in Germany had recently agreed a plan for the return of spectators during the coronavirus pandemic. The plan envisaged no standing and no alcohol sales until the end of October, a ban on away fans to the end of the year plus the collection of all contact details. The new Bundesliga is set to start on 18 September.
RTL broadcast the quarter-final clash between the Werkself and Inter Milan on Monday night free to air. An average of 3.31 million viewers watched the Black and Reds lose 2-1 against the Nerazzurri, which represents a market share of 14 per cent. At the peak, up to four million viewers watched the German-Italian knockout match.
This question has now become as obligatory at a press conference with Peter Bosz as his "assessment of the match" or questions about player availability: What is the future for Kai Havertz? And, of course, crystal ball gazing was on the agenda after the game against Inter Milan. Bosz handled it with humour: "Yes, I can inform you that Kai Havertz will play for Heracles Almelo next season." Why Almelo? Bosz coached the Dutch top-flight club for three years before moving on to Vitesse Arnhem in the summer of 2013. Up to now, Almelo is the club where the 56-year-old has been in the dugout for the most matches. Bosz' former club reacted to the statement with a humorous post on social media:
In almost tropical temperatures by the River Dhünn, the traditional kick-off event at the Leverkusen sports college took place – even if under restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. In the open air and wearing masks, the 24 'newcomers’ born between 2003 and 2005 gained their first impressions ahead of the start of the new academic year. "This event serves to give them all the necessary information," explained Steffi Nerius, the head of the sports college. "Our aim is to combine high-performance sports with education through optimum time management."
The new arrivals are Aaron, Amin, Ayman, Chiara, Giancarlo, Joyce, Luca, Marcel, Sadik, Sofie, Tiago, Volkan (football), Allegra, Luca, Edy, Lukas, Simon (athletics), Christin, Sophie, Nele (handball), Lukka, Milton (basketball), Tim and Svenja (fencing).
The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
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The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
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The Bundesliga is back. On Saturday 29 August (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg on matchday 1 of the new season. Ahead of the clash at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the importance of a successful start and the motivation of the league newcomers from the Saarland.
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On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
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After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
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