The warm-up started with a game of catch where the quarry can save themselves by hitching a piggyback from another Werkself pro; Peter Bosz and his fellow coaches then split the squad up into smaller groups for rondos. Attention then turned to detailed work: The dribbling skills of the pros were in demand on a slalom course. Finally, the intensity of the session was upped even more with shooting practice and a practice match.
Sven Bender, Karim Bellarabi and Daley Sinkgraven returned to full training today after all three worked on their own in the Monday session. Lars Bender was today on a neighbouring pitch. The skipper completed a separate fitness session without the ball – as did Tin Jedvaj due to slight back problems, albeit he was at the BayArena. The Croat is expected to return to full training on Thursday.
The Werkself have 04 days before the first competitive game of the season in Aachen. "It won't be easy. Our opponents have already played several games and are up and running. If we want to win then we have to deliver 100 per cent," said Sven Bender, putting aside the results of the recent friendlies; "They were poor results – there’s no question about that. But it counts from now on! We've had six weeks of pre-season and that should be enough!"
Kevin Volland believes he and his team-mates are well prepared for the challenge in Aachen: "We've made further progress over the last two weeks. Our fitness is better and the freshness is there – we’ll be in good shape by the time of the cup game," said the confident 27-year-old. "We have to communicate a bit better on the pitch and help each other out. But we are all very focused and we definitely want to get off to a good start."
The Werkself had an appointment in the press conference room at the BayArena after lunch: Referee Dr Robert Kampka delivered a lecture. The referee introduced the rule changes for the 2019/20 season. Centre stage was the modification to the handball rule.
UEFA also paid a visit. The European body sent representatives to the BayArena ahead of the forthcoming Champions League matches to take a closer look at the facilities, the technical infrastructure as well as the areas of hospitality and ticketing to ensure the matchdays run without any problems. There was very positive feedback: The BayArena and Bayer 04 are completely prepared for the Champions League.
Tickets for the first two Bayer 04 women’s team home games are now on general sale. A week after their league opener away at RB Leipzig, Roberto Pätzold’s side will face last season’s runners-up, VfL Wolfsburg, in the first home fixture on Sunday 30 August (kick-off: 16:00 CEST). Fifteen days later, on Monday night, 14 September (kick-off: 18:00 CEST), the Leverkusen Women host German champions Bayern Munich at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for a top-of-the-table league clash. You can now also select specific seats via the online shop. The latest information on match ticket sales.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 2-1 victory in the friendly match against FC Sevilla...
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Back at the BayArena at last! For the first time since the summer break, the Werkself played at their home ground in the 2026 season launch – and went on to beat Sevilla in the fifth preseason friendly. Patrik Schick turned the game around after Miguel Sierra put the visitors ahead (16’), scoring twice in the second half (66’, 79’) to the delight of the Bayer 04 fans in the new seats at the BayArena. New signing Miguel Gutiérrez was delighted to provide the assist for the equaliser on his debut under the Bayer Cross.
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