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.
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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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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When Exequiel Palacios moved from the Argentinian club River Plate to Bayer Leverkusen on 1 January 2020, the then 21-year-old could not have imagined just how successful the next six and a half years would be for him. Pala, as he is known, had already won the Copa Libertadores – the most prestigious competition in South American club football – with River Plate. But there were still so many more trophies to come.
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