Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
Xabi Alonso is expecting a “big match” on Sunday when last season’s third-placed finishers entertain the runners-up from last term. “We will face a strong opponent with great players,” added the Spanish coach. BVB, just like the Werkself, have started the league campaign in 2023 with two wins: A spectacular 4-3 home victory over FC Augsburg was followed by 2-1 win away to Mainz 05.
The Werkself have not lost at the BayArena in the league since the beginning of September last year: Four wins and two draws is the return in the Bundesliga since then. Above all, Xabi Alonso sees the support of the Black and Red fans as a decisive factor for the strong home form: “The connection with our fans is very good. Whenever we have a difficult phase in a game, and that happens in every match, we feel great support from our fans in the stands. That really helps us.”
As a reason for the upturn – the Werkself have picked up 15 of their 24 points in the last five matches – Alonso includes the significantly increased stability in defence. “We are defending better, the spaces are tighter, everybody helps each other. That gives us great security and in turn we are also stronger when we’re on the attack.”
Asked about a possible return to the matchday squad for Patrik Schick, Alonso said on Friday afternoon: “Patrik feels much better, he trained with the team today and he is close to getting back. We’ll see tomorrow if it’s enough for Sunday.” Schick, the second highest scorer in the Bundesliga in 2021/22, has recently suffered from a groin problem. The last appearance for the 27-year-old centre-forward dates back to 1 November. Charles Aránguiz (calf problem) will definitely not be available on Sunday.
Florian Wirtz is fully prepared for the game against Borussia Dortmund. Alonso’s response to a question: “He’s ready for another start. After a long-term injury like that, every minute of competitive football is important to regain the highest fitness level.” Following a brief appearance against Borussia Mönchengladbach (3-2), the 19-year-old was in the starting line-up again for the first time in Wednesday’s 2-0 win against VfL Bochum and he received a vocal welcome from the Werkself fans. He repaid their support with a fine assist for the goal at 2-0 scored by Adam Hlozek.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended Abdoulaye Faye’s contract by a further year to 30 June 2031. During the 2026/27 season, the talented defender will play for Celta Vigo on loan without an option to buy. The 21-year-old Senegalese is set to feature in La Liga and the UEFA Europa League with last season’s sixth-placed side in Spain.
Show more
The Werkself's training camp in Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog you'll find all the insights and updates from the day. The programme on day one (Sunday 2 August) includes a media round with managing director sport Simon Rolfes, free time for the team after the friendly against Rot-Weiss Essen and before an intensive week of training begins, as well as a coffee get-together where CEO Fernando Carro and Rolfes met around 100 fans in the afternoon.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.
Show more
A warm welcome to the Weimarer Land, Bayer 04! The Werkself moved into their accommodation for this year’s training camp on Saturday evening. In Blankenhain, Thuringia, head coach Carles Martínez’s team have a programme of gruelling training sessions – several of which will be open to fans – and team-building activities lined up for the next six days. We’ll be following the Werkself up close and providing you with exclusive insights, quotes, photos and videos from the training camp.
Show more
With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.
Show more
