The Werkself arrived to a carnival atmosphere. The Westphalian team Delbrücker SC, providers of the first coaching role for Roger Schmidt in 2004, organised a number of attractions for the friendly against at their Laumeskamp Stadium: a shot measurement machine, a dribbling course, air show and a tombola with a flight over the Sauerland in a Cessna as the main prize. The highlight for the supporters was a chance to see the Champions League participants from Leverkusen in action. “It’s a massive event for us as a team and for the whole club,” said Delbrück’s player-manager Guerino Capretti ahead of the rather mismatched encounter. Bayer 04 secured a 4-0 win at the end of a short training camp.
Volland bags a brace
Leverkusen started the game with a very strong line-up including Karim Bellarabi and Lars Bender who did not train the day before due to illness and injury respectively. Robbie Kruse played in the rather unusual position of left back. Friday’s match in Verl saw the Werkself finally score in the final minute but it was a different story on Sunday in front of 2,000 fans. Kevin Volland did not take long to score his debut goal for his new team – and the second came along soon after: The new signing from Hoffenheim opened the scoring on three minutes and doubled the lead on six minutes. Kevin Kampl rounded off the first half with his goal to make it 3-0 at the break.
Roger Schmidt brought on four new players for the restart: da Costa, Ramalho, Öztunali and Pohjanpalo replaced Hilbert, Papadopoulos, Brandt and Kießling. Volland carried on in the same vein and he converted a cross from Öztunali to make it 4-0 on 53 minutes. Then it was time for the youngsters: Roger Schmidt gave the 17-year-old keeper Tomasz Kucz, Atakan Akkaynak, Sam Schreck, Joel Abu Hanna, Kai Havertz and Malcolm Cacutalua a chance to shine with Lomb, Toprak, Kampl, Bender, Bellarabi and Volland making way for the rising stars. Robbie Kruse was the only player to go the full distance.
Next friendly in Koblenz on Friday
The Werkself have Monday off before returning to the BayArena on Tuesday for a double session on the training ground (10.00 and 16.00 CET). The next pre-season friendly is on Friday at 18.30 CET away to TuS Koblenz.
Bayer 04: Lomb (Kucz 62’) – Hilbert (da Costa 46’), Toprak (Cacutalua 62’), Papadopoulos (Ramalho 46’), Kruse – Bender (Abu Hanna 62’), Kampl (Akkaynak 62’) – Bellarabi (Schreck 62’), Brandt (Öztunali 46’) – Volland (Havertz 62’), Kießling (Pohjanpalo 46’).
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreSeveral Bayer 04 Legends, Bayer executives, club officials, current defender Arthur and, of course, dozens of enthusiastic children turned out on Saturday on the south side of Sao Paulo for the official opening of the Bayer 04 Football Academy, located at Club Bayer on the campus of Bayer Brazil.
Show moreA great night for 'Calle': Bayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser helped Germany to an opening win in the Women's Euro in Switzerland with an impressive performance. After coming on as a substitute in the 2-0 victory over Poland in Group C, the winger provided an assist and helped set up the second goal. The 21-year-old earned great praise from her coach and teammates in her first tournament match.
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