The annual club Media Days started on Wednesday. The Bender twins were first under the lights for photos for autograph cards, video clips and GIFs. The Bayer 04 Women were in front of the camera on Thursday and the second half of the Werkself squad will follow on Friday. We've taken a look behind the scenes for you:
The Werkself had a day to relax, clear their heads and recover on Thursday – the last day off for a while. On Friday it's full steam ahead! In exactly a week, the team under Peter Bosz will be looking to secure their place in the finals tournament of the Europa League in the Round of 16 second leg against Glasgow Rangers at the BayArena (Thursday, 6 August, 18.55 CET). Leon Bailey looks forward full of expectation: "In this season, we have another opportunity to go through to a final. We are all highly motivated and will give 100% in every game. We are in a good position and now it's our chance – for the fans and for the club!"
Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes shared his assessment of the Europa League with the media: "The run of games is an unusual challenge for everybody. Above all, you have to keep a clear mind," declared the 38-year-old. "The lads went on holiday full of disappointment. But it's all part of football being able to deal with defeats, process them and gain new motivation for the forthcoming targets. We are ready to go and very focused," added Rolfes. Further statements will be available here at the weekend.
This week's father of a second child celebrates his 28th birthday. As there is no full training session, he can spend his day off with his family. Bayer 04 wish him all the best on his birthday. Have a great day, Kevin, and enjoy your time with the new addition to the family.
Bayer 04 legend Michael Ballack is supporting his youth team club Chemnitzer FC by providing 40 signed shirts from his playing days for an auction to prevent the financially struggling club going into receivership. There are also shirts from Ballack's time with Germany and Bayer 04. Fans can place their bids with our former number 13 HERE and, at the same time, support the eastern Germany club.
The Werkself have reached at least the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal in each of the last three years. The Black-and-Reds would like to make it to the final four of the competition again this season, but to do that they'll need to overcome 1. FC Nürnberg in round two, who travel to the BayArena with momentum following a successful league campaign so far. However, Bayer have a 100 percent record at home in all competitions this season - and have also won six of their last seven home matches in the Pokal. The Matchday News.
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Back at home in the second round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal, Bayer 04 host FC Nürnberg at the BayArena. The match against the current second-placed side in Bundesliga 2 is on Wednesday 28 October at 20:45 CET. Ahead of the game, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about his anticipation of the clash in front of a home crowd. The Spaniard also commented on a number of personnel matters, including Ibrahim Maza and Montrell Culbreath, plus the visitors’ coach, Miroslav Klose.
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Now in their third season under head coach Miroslav Klose, FC Nürnberg are among the promotion contenders in Bundesliga 2. On Wednesday 28 October (kick-off: 20:45 CET), the team currently second in the table are away to Bayer 04 in the second round of the DFB Pokal. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Werkself player Ibrahim Maza has been named in the top ten in the ‘Men’s Young Talent of the Year’ category for 2026. The 20-year-old was at the London Palladium on Monday evening for the 2026 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony. Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, also attended the ceremony. Lamine Yamal of Barcelona was named the winner in the ‘Men’s Young Talent of the Year’ category.
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without forward Moussa Diaby for their upcoming matches. The 27-year-old Frenchman sustained a thigh injury in the 3-0 defeat against TSG Hoffenheim yesterday afternoon, Sunday 25 October. Diaby is expected to be available again after the international break in November.
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