Follow the Werkself’s trip to Crete ✈️🇬🇷

+++ 21 October, 14:31 CEST: Boarding! 🔜🛫 +++

Unfortunately there was a slight delay this time, but not to worry, the game isn't until tomorrow anyway. The team have boarded and it's off to Crete! The flight takes around three and a half hours, so we'll check back in this evening!

+++ 21 October, 10:47 CEST: Final training in the books ⚽️💪 +++

The Werkself stepped onto the field at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion in high spirits around 10:30. The first 15 minutes, which were available to watch, featured warm-up, passing drills and coordination. Confirmed absentees Eliesse Ben Seghir, Christian Kofane, Martin Terrier, Guéla Doué and Kennet Eichhorn did not take part.

U19 players Ben Hawighorst (defender) and Gabriel Minutillo (attacking midfield) were involved, though. The pair, who have been at Bayer 04 since the age of 10 and 7 respectively, will also travel to Crete. "Our aim is of course to successfully bring players from our academy into the first team, like Montrell (Culbreath)," said Rolfes. "Now they both have the chance to get a taste and learn a bit, but also show their own qualities."

The session continues behind closed doors now. The players will then shower and head to the airport, which is where we'll report back from later!

+++ 21 October, 10:31 CEST: Rolfes on 'awkward team' from Crete 💬🎤 +++

Speaking at the final training session, Rolfes described OFI Crete as "an awkward team who will certainly make life difficult for us tomorrow evening", adding: "We have to accept that. Obviously, the 2-0 win at home to Hoffenheim in the opening Europa League match was a warning, but we want to play our way again and get the next win."

On Jonas Hofmann being added to the squad in place of the injured Martin Terrier, the 44-year-old explained: "In Martin we've lost a versatile player. Jonas can compensate for that, he's also versatile and has always given 100 percent." When asked about Victor Boniface, who's not part of the Europa League squad, Rolfes said: "If it had been possible, we obviously would've liked to have Boni in it. Unfortunately it's not. That makes it even more important that he gets his head down, battles back and gets his fitness level as high as possible, so that he can contribute the qualities he undoubtedly has."

+++ 21 October, 9:37 CEST: The Werkself's timetable on Wednesday 📝🕰️ +++

Here's how the day looks for the players, coaches and staff today: it starts with the team's final training session at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion at 10:30, with the first 15 minutes open to the media and for you to watch. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes will also speak to journalists shortly before that - we'll of course bring you the key quotes here.

Following training, the Bayer 04 squad will travel to the airport and depart for Crete around 13:45. The flight takes approximately three and a half hours. Upon arrival, head coach Martínez and defender Jarell Quansah will head straight to the Pankritio for the pre-match press conference. A busy day ahead - and as usual, we'll take you every step of the way!

+++ 21 October, 9:04 CEST: Next European journey awaits! 😍🔥 +++

Good morning, Werkself fans! Bayer 04's second away outing in the Europa League in the space of a week takes them to Greece, and specifically to the country's biggest island. At the striking Pankritio Stadium on the Mediterranean Sea, Carles Martínez's men take on Greek Cup winners OFI Crete tomorrow evening at 18:45 CEST (19:45 local time).

But before that, to get in the mood for the next European evening, you can relive the 4-0 victory at Lech Poznan last week! 👇