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.
The Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the England U21 international and European champion Jarell Quansah. The central defender joins Leverkusen from Premier League champions Liverpool on a contract to 30 June 2030.
Show moreA striking look and innovative design as an expression of a forward-looking partnership: With the official presentation of the current home jersey, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and sports equipment manufacturer New Balance start a new era in tandem. For the first partnership with a professional German club, the American company from Boston, Massachusetts has developed a creative new interpretation of the Leverkusen club colours. A row of red lines, made up of slender crosses, merges into a black background. Inspired by the world famous Bayer Cross, the jersey is a symbol of a new beginning without forgetting historical roots.
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