The waiting is over: After all the youth teams were forced to stop training at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre due to the coronavirus pandemic, with the exception of the contracted players from the U17s and U19s, the Black and Red talents were able to return to the training ground this week. Up to 25 children worked with two tested coaches in training sessions that included physical contact.
The decision to start training again is based on the coronavirus stage plan and the associated seven-day incidence rate, which is currently below 50 in Leverkusen. However, access to the Kurtekotten Performance Centre is still prohibited to spectators and family members. The changing rooms also remain closed on the advice of Bayer 04 team doctor and pandemic officer Dr Karl-Heinrich Dittmar.
Another first ahead of the start of the pre-season for the Bayer 04 youth teams: The three-week summer break at the start of the summer holidays is now voluntary rather than compulsory for the players. Given the long break from training, the players at Kurtekotten, in discussion with the coaches, have the opportunity in the first three weeks of the summer holidays to voluntarily take part in training sessions. The pre-season for the youth teams will then start as usual from the second half of the summer holidays.
Preparations for next season are also running at top speed for the women's youth section. As part of an open trial session, talented female footballers born between 2007 and 2012 can demonstrate their football ability on Saturday, 19 June, from noon to 14.00 CEST. The trials will be held at the Kurt-Rieß-Anlage in Leverkusen with registrations possible up to 18 June.
Preparations are also well underway for the national teams involved in the European Championship that opens on Friday, 11 June with the clash between Italy and Turkey (kick-off: 21.00 CEST). The two Austrian Werkself players Julian Baumgartlinger and Aleksandar Dragovic are in action today (Wednesday) in a friendly between Austria and England, coached by Gareth Southgate, with the kick off at 21.00 CEST.
Other Bayer 04 players are involved in friendlies on Friday, 4 June, with our number 14 Patrik Schick (Czech Republic) plus Werkself keeper Lukas Hradecky and the recently on loan to Union Berlin striker Joel Pohjanpalo (both with Finland) preparing for the Euro 2020 finals. While Schick and the Czech Republic face Italy (kick-off: 20.45 CEST), the Eagle Owls with Lukas Hradecky play Estonia.
Former Bayer 04 midfielder Kevin Kampl has got married. Kampl, who came through the ranks at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre between 1997 and 2011 and went on to make 53 Bundesliga appearances in a Leverkusen shirt (2015-2017), said yes to his wife – and vice versa – on Wednesday. Bayer 04 wish the newly married Kampl couple all the best for the future.
Bayer 04 legend Paulo Sérgio can also celebrate today. The Brazilian winger played for the Werkself from 1993 to 1997 scoring 64 goals in his 150 appearances for the Black and Reds. In his first season in 1993/94, Sérgio impressed the Bayer 04 faithful with 17 Bundesliga goals. The Werkself wish Paulo many happy returns.
Defender Frederick Stenman was at the Werkself for 18 months from 2006 to July 2007. The Swedish central defender provided two assists for his teammates, a rarity for a defensive specialist. His Swedish background is also a rarity in the world of Bayer 04: Alongside Isaac Kiese Thelin and Teddy Lucic, Stenman is one of only three Swedes who have played for the Werkself. Many happy returns on your 37th birthday, Fredrik.
Bayer 04 are away to Croatian champions Dinamo Zagreb on Matchday 5 of the league phase of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. The game kicks off on Thursday 26 November at 18:45 CET at the Maksimir Stadium. All the information on ticket sales.
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It wasn’t just on the pitch that there was cause for celebration around the Werkself’s 2–1 home win against SC Freiburg. Plenty of happy faces could be seen near the dugouts at half-time too. Once again, CEO Fernando Carro, alongside former striker and club ambassador Stefan Kießling, paid tribute to eight supporters’ clubs celebrating up to their 30th anniversary on behalf of Bayer 04.
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It was a match that will live long in the memory of everyone involved: The Bayer 04 U19s celebrated their seventh win in seven matches in the DFB Youth League preliminary round – and yet it was a very special victory indeed: in the 4–3 (1–1) win at VfL Bochum 1848, no fewer than five goals came in the final quarter of an hour. As the 90th minute approached, coach Patrick Greveraars’s side found themselves behind, but then fought back in true ‘Laterkusen’ style.
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Under Carles Martínez, the Werkself have so far proved unbeatable at the BayArena. The Spaniard has led his team to victory in all three of their most recent home matches – and, it's worth noting, without conceding a single goal. On Sunday, 18 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST / live on DAZN and Werkself Radio), current league leaders SC Freiburg will make the trip to Leverkusen, but will be without their top scorer. What's more, the Werkself have won all three of their previous home matches against the Black Forest club. With a goal, Patrik Schick could not only secure a fourth consecutive victory but also set a memorable record. Meanwhile, on what will be the ‘Health Day' at the BayArena, much of the focus will be on physical wellbeing. Today's matchday news.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt on Matchday 7 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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