Following the double training session on Monday for the Alonso team, there are a host of events on and off the pitch in the next few days. In addition to four more training sessions, the players will visit the Bayer 04 U12 to U15 teams on Wednesday 7 December to take a closer look at the young players and also make themselves available for exchanges on and off the pitch.
Head coach Xabi Alonso shared his views on the training plan and associated targets for winter preparations ahead of the last two weeks before Christmas: "We now finally have more time to work on things and improve. Solid defending with controlled risk is the basis for everything," explained Alonso before adding: "We want to create a successful balance between controlling the ball, having possession and penetrating runs."
On top of that, he also wants to use the time to take in additional systems of play: "Regardless of whether we choose to have a back five, four or three in the end, our aim is for the players to be able to be settled and flexible in each system," said Alonso. According to the head coach, Florian Wirtz also has a crucial role to play: "Systems are like images but a football match is dynamic – Florian understands that very well."
Alonso also talked about the return of the 19-year-old: "We are really looking forward to it and we can very well use him and his individual quality and creativity. He is now getting fitter and fitter, is working hard and his mentality is good." The 19-year-old is set to return to the squad for the forthcoming friendly against the Scottish record champions for the first time since his torn cruciate in March of last year: "If everything continues to go well then he'll be able to have his first minutes in the friendlies," said the 41-year-old coach.
There was also good news about Patrik Schick: The striker does not need an operation. At the same time it remains to be seen when the Czech Republic international can return to the training ground.
The Black and Reds will return to Leverkusen straight after the friendly at Ibrox. Lukas Hradecky and Co. will have the day off from training on Sunday before the start of the final week of training complete with the friendly against FC Zürich leading up to the festive break.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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