It is no surprise the focus is now increasingly on preparing for the next match just one week after the return to training. That was the case on Monday with head coach Heiko Herrlich holding two training sessions – stamina was centre stage in the first week of training session of the New Year.
Leon Bailey was able to join in with both sessions. After recovering from a virus contracted last week, the 20-year-old Jamaican was back on the training ground with the Werkself for the first time in 2018. "It's always good to be able to train with the squad. I think I picked up a cold due to the difference in climate between Jamaica and Germany. But I've recovered well, I feel fit and I'm looking forward to the forthcoming challenges with Bayer 04," said Bailey. And Karim Bellarabi, who had to go off after being kicked on the shin in Saturday's friendly against Preußen Münster (2-2), was able to complete the whole of the second session.
Stefan Kießling and Charles Aránguiz were both absent from the training ground on Monday due to being rested. The same applies to Vladlen Yurchenko, who is still in rehab training due to a foot injury, who was able to train outdoors again during the week.
Tomorrow, Tuesday at 10.30, the Werkself have open training again before a closed session on Wednesday for the final preparations before taking on Bayern Munich.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
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Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
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A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
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