The 90-minute training session for the Werkself squad started punctually at 10.30 CEST. Amongst the players present was Granit Xhaka, who joined Leverkusen from Premier League runners-up Arsenal at the start of July, and now on the training ground with his new teammates for the first time.
The first training session for the 30-year-old Switzerland international was again watched by a large number of Bayer 04 fans. They saw several players from the youth teams who completed stretching and coordination drills as well as finishing practice together with Xhaka and Co.
There was a small surprise towards the end of the training session: Robert Andrich, who is currently completing rehab at the Werkstatt in the BayArena, joined his teammates as a spectator in the final minutes of training.
Xhaka, who completed an individual running session with fitness coach Ismael Camenforte Lopez
after the session, was one of the last to leave the pitch – and, of course, he was very much in demand with the fans for photos and autographs.
Many of the supporters, as usual, had shorts, rucksacks and shirts – including the new Werkself home shirt for the 2023/24 season – signed. The new home shirt went on sale this week. If you want to get the new shirt: HERE is the online shop.
After Xhaka has now started full training and got to know the squad, the Switzerland international will face his first press conference since his move to Leverkusen on Friday 14 July when he will talk about his first impressions at Bayer 04. The statements of the 30-year-old midfielder will be available on the Bayer 04 club channels afterwards.
Following the summer break of around two months, the Bayer 04 first team squad took to the training pitches at the BayArena for the first time on Tuesday – and the players were in high spirits. Alongside the newly formed coaching team led by head coach Carles Martínez, new signing Afonso Moreira also completed his first session with the squad. In front of several hundred Bayer 04 fans at the open session, numerous Werkself players worked up a good sweat. The Leverkusen players who took part in the World Cup will join pre-season training at a later date.
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In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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Rieden reloaded: Just like last year, the Bayer 04 Women’s team are spending their summer training camp in this idyllic corner of Bavaria. From this Sunday, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team will be based in Rieden in the Upper Palatinate for a week.
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