
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.

A special visit to the BayArena: 222 members from volunteer fire brigades in Leverkusen, the Rheinisch-Bergisch district and the Oberbergisch district watched the Werkself’s 2–0 home win over Slovenian champions NK Celje live in the stadium. Bayer 04 had invited them to the 2026/27 Europa League opener as a thank-you for their tremendous dedication. They watched the match together in Block F4.
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The Bayer 04 U19s have extended their winning run with a fifth consecutive victory on Matchday 5 of the DFB Youth League’s preliminary round. Coach Patrick Greveraars’ side secured a 3–2 (2–1) win in their match against second-placed FC Viktoria Köln, with Burak Kir and Nebe Domnic scoring for the hosts in the first half before captain Ben Hawighorst found the net after the break.
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Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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