Werkself in Molde – latest updates

+++5 October, 12.42 CEST+++

The warm-up session at the team hotel is over. Granit Xhaka and Co. enjoyed playing football tennis after stretching and activation drills. A winning team – three summer signings – was also selected. Who that is you can see HERE.

+++5 October, 10.25 CEST+++

A large number of Bayer 04 supporters are again on the road to support the Werkself in Molde here tonight. 300 fans have arrived or are on their way. Whether that's with a nine-seater or first with a flight to Oslo and then a seven-hour drive with a hire car to Molde – no distance is too far for them. It's also a beautiful place that is worth the journey...

+++5 October, 08.04 CEST+++

Good morning from Molde - Matchday! The Werkself start the official part of the day with a joint breakfast at the team hotel. That is followed in the morning by the first meeting and warmup session, two further meals and the final meeting in the afternoon are the last preparations for the game tonight. Of course, we will accompany you through the day. Here we go!

+++4 October, 18.17 Uhr+++

After the press conference is before the final training session: The Werkself were able to experience the artificial pitch at the Molde Stadium for the first time in the early evening. Under floodlights and in heavy rain, the players got to grips with the unusual surface 21 hours before kick-off. While the keepers worked with goalkeeping coach David Thiel on the one side of the pitch, the outfield players worked in groups of three on the other.

The German and Norwegian members the media followed the training session with interest. After 15 minutes it continued behind closed doors. The final official event of the day for Xabi Alonso and his team is communal evening meal. At this point we say see you tomorrow and God natt!

+++4 October, 17.49 CEST+++

The press conference is over. In an atmospheric, Nordic media centre with a view of the fjord in the rain, Xabi Alonso and Victor Boniface responded to questions on the artificial pitch at the Molde Stadium and on the line-up for tomorrow's game. Key statements from the duo are available HERE.

+++4 October, 16.48 CEST+++

Hardly any grounds in the current Europa League campaign are as picturesque as the home of Molde: The Molde Stadium lies directly on the banks of the Moldefjord and is a brilliant photo opportunity. The capacity at the stadium is 11,249. Molde have played on an artificial pitch since 2014 as a turf pitch would be significantly affected by the weather over the long and cold winters. The venue was opened in 1998 by the then Prime Minister of Norway and committed Molde fan Kjell Magne Bondevik. One highlight in history the stadium followed a year later when Real Madrid were the visitors in the Champions League. Real won the game 1-0 with a goal from Christian Karembeu.

+++4 October, 15.33 CEST+++

The next official event is the pre-match press conference with head coach Xabi Alonso and Victor Boniface at 17.30 CEST. 30 minutes later there will be the official final training session which is open to media representatives for 15 minutes as usual.

+++4 October, 13.17 CEST+++

Hei, Werkself! The team charter flight landed punctually this afternoon safe and sound at Molde airport, whose runway – next the sea – is somewhat shorter than usual. You can see the unusual landing from the cockpit HERE! For the team and staff it's off to lunch first...

+++4 October, 10.01 CEST+++

Take off! The Bayer 04 flight is in the air. We will report again after landing. See you later.

+++4 October, 09.48 CEST+++

Just before departure, Simon Rolfes talked to the travelling members of the media on the trip to Norway. "I've already been to Trondheim but never to Molde," said the sporting managing director who shared his expectations for the game away to the Norwegian champions: "We are going there to win – even if we face unusual conditions with the artificial pitch. It will be important for us to get used to that quickly in the final training session today. It doesn't have to be a disadvantage for us and our style of play."

On the question of whether there would be rotation as in the home game against Häcken (4-0), "that's a decision for the coach at the end of the day. We showed against Häcken that our quality remains very high even with lots of changes in line-up. The keen competition in the squad ensures that everybody remains focused."

+++4 October, 09.09 CEST+++

Matchday squad for the game in Molde: Lukas Hradecky, Matej Kovar, Niklas Lomb, Josip Stanisic, Piero Hincapie, Jonathan Tah, Odilon Kossounou, Jonas Hofmann, Robert Andrich, Florian Wirtz, Edmond Tapsoba, Noah Mbamba, Nathan Tella, Alejandro Grimaldo, Amine Adli, Victor Boniface, Adam Hlozek, Exequiel Palacios, Jeremie Frimpong, Gustavo Puerta and Granit Xhaka.

+++4 October, 08.52 CEST+++

The Werkself were successful in the first outing in the UEFA Europa League: The first matchday in Group H brought a deserved 4-0 win at home to the Swedish champions Häcken. The goals were scored by Florian Wirtz, Amine Adli, Victor Boniface and Jonas Hofmann. Molde were away to Qarabag where they lost 1-0 to the Azerbaijani champions with the goal scored on 55 minutes.

+++4 October, 08.04 CEST+++

The Werkself have the first away game in Europe this season: Bayer 04 set off for Norway this morning ahead of tomorrow's second group match in the UEFA Europa League against the Norwegian champions Molde kicking off at 21.00 CEST.