
Gerardo Seoane on…
…the structure of the next two weeks of training: In contrast to weeks with midweek fixtures, normal weeks present the opportunity to structure training better and to take your time. This week we were able to use the first sessions to get going and also analyse video footage in more detail. From this point we will primarily work on individual and physical issues. Next week we’ll go into tactical group elements and specific opponent-related match preparation. In BVB, we will face an opponent known for having lots of possession and passing football. We'll focus on that.
…. specific training content: We can take a lot a very positive things from the game against Salzburg, it’s going well but I also don't want to overestimate the game too much. There are certain points we can do better. We lacked accuracy in build-up play between the lines and and that led us to lose the ball too often going forwards. In terms of defence, we will primarily work on individual ball-winning – for example from corners.
… Exequiel Palacios’ back injury: It looked good to us this morning. He’s still in rehab and we’re gradually building up the workload. Of course, we will be happy to see him back next week but in the next two weeks we can and will take our time for suitable and effective rehabilitation – as with all the current injured players.
… Daley Sinkgraven’s possible return: Daley is still in the Werkstatt working with our staff. He started jogging this week and will probably slowly get back into training over the course of the coming week. But he won't be ready by the time of the Dortmund game.
… Paulinho’s recovery: We have carried out various investigations and he's been through several check-ups. He doesn't have any symptoms or any problems. However, our medical section have not given him clearance for high intensity training. But he’s already training on his own and, under supervision, working on the treadmill, bikes or on weights. To that extent it's a purely preventive measure.
… Julian Baumgartlinger’s current status: Baumi did his first passing drills yesterday. But we want to continue building him up gradually as we've been doing up to now. He is making good progress but there will definitely be more setbacks with the next increases in workload, which is completely normal. We don't have any specific timescales with dates in mind.
… a possible transfer move for Nadiem Amiri: It's a fact that discussions are taking place. But different factors play a role in the transfer like that – for the player, potential new club, but also for us. As a former player, I completely understand if a player is not happy with his time on the pitch or wants to move on after a certain length of time. That shows determination and ambition. We've communicated openly with each other from the start. Nadiem continues to give everything in training. To that extent, an agreement always means in the end that all parties are satisfied with the solution found – regardless of how it looks.
… Charles Aránguiz and his forthcoming international appearance: Experienced and, above all, versatile and technically gifted players like Charlie generally don't need much time to settle in and rediscover their rhythm. He worked well in his 25 minutes on the pitch at the weekend but we didn't want to take too many risks. Before he left, our doctors and physios gave him a complete check-up. We are also in regular contact with the staff over there to control the workload and we're also happy if he can feel good over there now.

The Bayer 04 women’s team secured a win in the friendly during the international break. Without a total of eight international players, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team defeated Bundesliga 2 side Borussia Mönchengladbach 3–1 at the Kurtekotten Training Centre, thanks to goals from Lobke Loonen (1’, penalty), Caroline Kehrer (41') and Valentina Mädl (66').
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without striker Christian Kofane in the coming weeks. The 20-year-old sustained a muscle injury to his left thigh on international duty with the Cameroon national team during the recent international break. This will prevent him from playing in the upcoming Werkself matches.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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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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Fans ask, Carolin Simon answers: As part of Bayer 04’s second Ask Me Anything (AMA) session on Reddit, the Leverkusen captain took questions from the community. The full-back, who returned to the club this summer after ten years away, set aside an hour and a half for the Q&A session with fans, offering a very personal insight into, amongst other things, her daily life as a footballer and her role as captain, as well as her passion for Pokémon.
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