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 thrilling 3-1 win for Bayer 04 against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Hinrunde is a fond memory for Alejandro Grimaldo, with his brace from free kicks, and coach Kasper Hjulmand, who was in the dugout under the Cross for the first time. Now comes the return fixture in the metropolis on the River Main and after going out of the DFB Pokal and the Champions League, the full focus at Eintracht, currently managed by two interim coaches, is now on the Bundesliga. For their part, the Werkself will do everything in their power to continue the longest winning run against a Bundesliga club. The matchday news.
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Bayer 04 have ended Artem Stepanov’s loan deal at Nürnberg and agreed a new loan to Utrecht in the Netherlands. The Ukrainian striker did not play as much as hoped for at the Bundesliga 2 club and will now continue his development in the Eredivisie for the rest of 2025/26.
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After back-to-back wins at home, Bayer 04 are now out for their first away win of 2026 as they visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (15:30 CET). Ahead of the Matchday 20 fixture in the Bundesliga, Kasper Hjulmand spoke about renewed confidence, Frankfurt’s recent issues and Patrik Schick’s form so far this year.
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Eintracht Frankfurt are yet to win a game in 2026 and have managed only one victory in their last 12 competitive fixtures. Having already been eliminated from the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League, the Eagles are now focusing solely on the Bundesliga as they seek to get their season back on track with the visit of the Werkself on Saturday afternoon. Here’s the lowdown on our next opponents…
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