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21.07.2026Bayer 04

Schick returns as Werkself train in new home kit in front of fans

A crowd of around 1,000 Bayer 04 fans came to watch the Werkself train on Tuesday afternoon. Head coach Carles Martínez was able to welcome back Patrik Schick following his post-World Cup holiday for the 90-minute session, in which the squad debuted their new home kit for the 2026/27 season. At the end, the players spent time greeting the fans, taking selfies and signing autographs, while Loïc Badé also spoke to the media.
Training der Werkself im neuen Heimtrikot

As well as Schick, who got back to Leverkusen this week, young Serbian striker Aleksa Damjanovic was also included alongside U19s goalkeeper Simeon Rapsch, plus Jonah Berghoff, Burak Kir and Gabriel Minutillo as they filled out Martínez's squad.

Edmond Tapsoba, Robert Andrich and the team started by warming up with some passing in a circle before some coordination drills, stretching and activation exercises. Janis Blaswich and the rest of the goalkeepers worked apart from the group with goalkeeper coach David Thiel, as the outfield players turned their attentions to passing and technical drills with small goals.

 

Patrik Schick

Badé: “Fun working with the new coach”

“I’m really glad to be back and training again,” said defender Badé to the gathered media after the session. “It’s a lot of fun working with your teammates and also the new coach and his team. The goal for the new season is to play well and get the maximum out of it. For me personally, it’s about working hard, giving my all and getting as much playing time as possible to help the team.”

Selfies and autographs

While the French centre-back was talking to the media, his teammates were on the side of the pitch fulfilling all the selfie and autograph requests from the fans. Badé later joined them to further delight the crowd.

Lucas Vázquez

Second friendly on Saturday

This second week of pre-season concludes with another friendly match on Saturday, 25 July, as the Werkself visit Kickers Offenbach to mark the club’s 125th anniversary. Fans of the two teams have long had a close relationship. Kick-off is at 15:00 CEST.

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