Werkself kick off final week of training before Gladbach game

During the match, which consisted of two 30-minute halves, the spectators, who turned up in large numbers despite the rain, naturally paid special attention to newcomer Mbamba, who was out with his teammates for the first time.

Mbamba: “Everyone’s welcomed me”

“It was super to get to know the players, coaches and the backroom staff. Everyone’s welcomed me and the mood was good. I’m looking forward to integrating myself bit by bit into the team, into the club. That’s important when you’re new. For me, the whole concept here at Bayer 04 was just right,” said the 18-year-old midfielder, who goes by the nickname ‘Bambi’.

All the players who only featured briefly yesterday played the full game today. After 60 minutes, it ended 5-0 to the Werkself against the club’s oldest youth team. Kerem Demirbay, Zidan Sertdemir, Amine Adli, Karim Bellarabi and Sardar Azmoun got the goals.

Scorer of three goals in the last three friendlies, Adli spoke positively about the previous weeks of training. “I feel good and think the break was good for me. But the goals were above all important for the team and our feeling,” the 22-year-old summarised. He also stressed: “We had a very hard but also very good pre-season and so feel absolutely ready for the Bundesliga. We’re motivated and looking forward to the games and our fans.”

Adli was also full of praise for teammate Florian Wirtz, who could make his long-awaited competitive return in Mönchengladbach after his cruciate ligament injury: “His position between attack and defence can be crucial in matches. We’re all delighted he’s finally back. He makes things easier for me and all our teammates with his quality and influence.”

Tickets still available

The team have Tuesday off before returning to one session a day in final preparation for the Gladbach game. There are also still tickets available for the match in the Bayer 04 Webshop.