
Gerardo Seoane on…
… the current shape of the Werkself: We are happy we didn't have any injuries from the training camp. Of course, there are always a couple of knocks but that's all part of this phase. We were able to get a short break afterwards and now we have done well getting back into training again over the first two days. The physical state of all the players is different and that means that recovery isn't the same. The players, who have been injured longer for example, always react differently to stresses and strains but that's also completely normal. We are on the right track overall.
... the comeback plan for Amine Adli: This week he's been able to take in parts of full training. That's the first step from controlled to unrestricted training. Before, he just worked in twos and now he is in the group and doing the first drills but he is also training on his own at times. At the end of the week he will have tests that include checking his strength levels. Amin did not have straightforward injury and problems can occur again, above all if the workload is too big. But we are happy and I believe we can fully reintegrate him in the coming two weeks and then he'll definitely need one or two more weeks before he is able to play again.
… the upcoming match against SV 07 Elversberg: We should be aware that it's a knockout match against a professional team. Of course, I'd say we shouldn't normally lose it. But you also have to realise that the opponents have been in action for several weeks and have played several games and, on top of that, it's a cup game where anything can happen. Therefore, we're taking these opponents absolutely seriously as with any other opposition.
… targets for the new season: It's positive that the team has more or less stayed the same. We have both depth and quality in the squad and with Adam (Hlozek, ed.) gained another exciting player on top of that. Therefore, we can take a lot of insights and confidence from last season but we can't take any points with us. We want to improve in a lot of areas to be able to achieve better results. I feel good after the pre-season. The players have shown spirit and a good balance between fun and focus. You can see the ambition of the lads in training. You can feel a healthy aggression and necessary respect at the same time. We believe in our ability but we all know that the season starts with no points on the board.

Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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