
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.

A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
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On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
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Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
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