Back
5.07.2021Bayer 04

Performance tests: ‘Players know the importance of this day’

Welcome back. Following a six-week summer break, the Werkself players returned on Monday for the 2021/22 pre-season. As usual, the squad completed comprehensive performance tests, this time with new coach Gerardo Seoane taking a close interest in proceedings, ahead of the first training session on Tuesday. Dr. Malte Krüger, head sports scientist at Bayer 04, gave an insight into day one for the Werkself in this summer’s pre-season.
crop_20210705_JS_Leistungsdiagnostik_0334.jpg

The goalkeepers Lennart Grill and Niklas Lomb plus homegrown player Emrehan Gedikli formed the first group of three at the performance tests at the BayArena on Monday morning. Another 13 senior players plus seven youth players followed over the course of the day. There were the usual warm greetings after the summer break with everybody in a buoyant mood and full of anticipation ahead of the forthcoming tasks.

 

crop_20210705_JS_Leistungsdiagnostik_0205.jpg

Anticipation ahead of the performance tests was kept within bounds as Dr. Malte Krüger knows from previous years. “We are aware this day is not necessarily the most popular. (He laughs) It is a real workout as the tests last longer than a normal training day,” said the head sports scientist at Bayer 04. “But the players know the importance of this day and they see we gain important knowledge that relates to their physical condition and also benefits them and their health and fitness in the pre-season.”

Dr. Krüger also explained why he believes the performance tests have to be completed before the first session on the training ground. The 39-year-old: “On the one hand, the players come here after several weeks of individual preparation, on the other we want to identify possible deficits before the dynamic sessions on the pitch instead of afterwards.”

from sight tests to stamina checks

The Werkself players went through ten different tests in succession on Monday with the whole procedure lasting three hours for each player. Nadiem Amiri and Co. spent two thirds of the time with medical checks. They are partly prescribed by the German Football League (DFL) with Bayer 04 also carrying out additional tests. The checks include organ tests, sight tests, a dental examination, an ECG plus neurological investigations.

crop_20210705_JS_Leistungsdiagnostik_0657.jpg

 

The traditional performance tests followed. On top of that there are strength tests on hip muscles, flexibility tests and stamina diagnostic tests – the so-called spiroergometry on a treadmill. “Players are tested to the limit without pain,” said Dr. Krüger. The tempo is increased in a five-minute rhythm with some players covering a distance of more than six kilometres at a speed of 20 kmph.

partnership with Cologne sports university

To deal with the majority of the tests on one day, several external experts are involved including the German Sports University (Spoho) in Cologne, and Bayer 04 have worked with them on the performance tests for several years.

Working with the club’s sports scientists, team doctors, fitness coaches and physiotherapists, the tests can provide basic conclusions for course of the season. “The investigations we complete each year are obviously very comprehensive and involved. But we gain important knowledge that enables us to assess the players’ development, reveal deficits and do preventive work.”

 

Related News

Estrella Merino Gonzalez
Women - 11.07.2025

First goal for Fudalla: Women's friendly against Zwolle ends all square

The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').

Show more
Bayer 04
eSports - 11.07.2025

#B04eSports: Landwehr cousins Landwehr agree two-year extension

Continuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.

Show more
Bayer 04-Fans im Gästeblock
Bayer 04 - 10.07.2025

Information on ticket sales for 2025/26 away games

An average of over 3,500 fans supported the Werkself at away games last season. Looking forward to the 2025/26 season, Bayer 04 now provide information on ticket sales for away games. The previous 0 sales phase is being replaced by the Regulars phase.

Show more
Bundesliga-Spielball 2025/26
Bundesliga - 10.07.2025

DFL schedules matchdays 1 to 5 – Friday night game against Eintracht Frankfurt

The German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the details for the first five matchdays in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Read on for details of the fixtures.

Show more