In addition to the internal and orthopaedic tests, that were carried out in part on Monday, 17 players (split into groups of three) and excluding the international players, completed a range of tests on strength, coordination, movement, balance, acceleration and stamina. "With the help of the data, we produce an individual profile for each player to see exactly where the particular strengths, weaknesses or performance limiting factors are," explained Malte Krüger, the head sports scientist at Bayer 04. The data acquired primarily serves to optimise the training programme over the course of the pre-season. "That means the players can work in a targeted and individual way with our fitness coaches Schahriar Bigdeli, Terry Peters and Daniel Jouvin to endeavour to make up deficits or to reduce the risk of injury – without the daily training on the pitch having to suffer," added Krüger.
Of course, the aim is to be as well prepared as possible for the three competitions facing the Werkself of the Bundesliga, the Champions League and the DFB Cup. "We want to keep all players fit and healthy through the season and make sure they are fully fit when the busy weeks start," said Krüger.
Kai Havertz, Lukas Hradecky, Aleksandar Dragovic, Tin Jedvaj and Paulinho, who were given extra leave due to their international appearances at the beginning of June, will complete the performance tests on Sunday.
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 0-2 loss at 1. FC Nürnberg on Matchday 8 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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After nine points from their first three away matches of the 2026/27 season, the Bayer 04 Women suffered their first away defeat on Sunday afternoon. The 2-0 defeat away to FC Nürnberg, who were winless before today, represented a setback for coach Roberto Pätzold’s team in the race for the top spots in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. Fany Pronietz scored both goals (62’, 85’) for the home side.
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After six consecutive wins, the Werkself have hit a rough patch: Bayer 04 lost 3-0 away to TSG Hoffenheim. Andrej Kramaric put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot (79'), with Alexander Prass and Max Moerstedt adding to the tally shortly before full-time (89’/90+5’). After ten matches under Carles Martínez, with the Black and Reds always scoring at least twice, Leverkusen failed to find the net for the first time.
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The Werkself still have a score to settle with TSG Hoffenheim: Bayer 04 lost both matches against the Kraichgau side last term – after the Black and Reds had won all the previous five encounters. Leverkusen are currently on a roll and looking to kick off a new winning streak against TSG in Sinsheim on Sunday 25 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET), and Patrik Schick is keen to continue his current run of form. However, it will not be easy, as coach Christian Ilzer’s team have also gained confidence recently. Today’s matchday news.
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