The team under head coach Peter Bosz have four days to go before the return to picking up points in the Bundesliga. The Black and Red squad have been based at the Hotel Große Ledder in Wermelskirchen since Monday night and have only left the site for training sessions at Bismarckstraße. The seven-day quarantine is required by the hygiene and health and safety concept of the DFL and a precondition for resuming the Bundesliga campaign. “I’m confident about the DFL concept. And everybody who had second thoughts about starting to play again has always had an answer,” said Tah in an online press conference.
The first weeks after the suspension of play at the start of March saw the Germany international and his teammates train at home. Tah and Co. returned to the training ground on 1 April, albeit in small groups at first. The Werkself have only been back in full training since 7 May. But the short run-in to the restart is not worried ahead of the restart. “In my opinion, every single player, who calls themselves a professional, should behave accordingly. That involves a healthy diet, good regeneration and professional training,” said Tah. “We had a lot of time in the break to do preventive work and get ready for the restart. So I’m in good shape.”
The central defender sees himself and the other Bundesliga players obliged to adhere to the hygiene and health and safety regulations. Tah adds: “We have a great responsibility; people at home and abroad will be watching us. Of course, you feel a bit of pressure. But we should be proud of being in a position to start again. This time has made you aware of things you’ve taken for granted in the past and value them much more.”
With a few days to go before the league restart, it is time for return of anticipation for the forthcoming games. “Even though the fans won’t unfortunately be there, our targets remain the same as before the games were suspended,” declared the 1.95 metre giant. You have to try and maintain commitment in training sessions and simulate the games coming up as best we can. Tah believes he will gradually come to terms with playing behind closed doors, “but I don’t want to get used to it.”
Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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