
"We've discussed it over the past two weeks and agreed it unanimously today. The players are ready to forego part of their wages to support the club in their efforts to overcome the coronavirus crisis," said Bayer 04 captain Lars Bender.
"A gesture" for Rudi Völler, "that has not surprised us after discussions in recent weeks," declared the sporting managing director. "Of course, all of the coaching staff, the directors and management have adopted the same position."
On the day of the first training session in groups of two, Bender added, “today, we again achieved full appreciation in the empty BayArena of how much the different members of staff bring this club to life and how important everybody really is to achieve the best possible conditions for our job. As players, we want to make a contribution so that no single member of staff has to worry and that everything here at Bayer 04 will carry on in a sensible and reliable manner. That is our concern and we're happy to do it."

Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.
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Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.
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Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.
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In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!
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