As at the training camp in Salzburger Land, Fernando Carro wanted to introduce himself to the fans. Together with Rudi Völler (sporting managing director), the Werkself head coach Heiko Herrlich and club captain Lars Bender, the new chairman of the Bayer 04 board took the opportunity to get close to the fans in Q&A session – which also included some tough questions from the fans.
The subjects under discussion included the allocation of the number 11 shirt to Isaac Kiese Thelin, which was worn by club legend Stefan Kießling up to the summer. In spite of fully understanding the disquiet of certain sections of the Bayer 04 support, Lars Bender called for everybody to get behind the new signing. Particularly as the Swede said it was "a great honour" to be able to wear the number worn by Kießling for many years. The skipper drew loud applause for that statement.
"It's good to be asked critical questions from time to time. We can only get to the bottom of things when we know what our fans are thinking," said Herrlich before adding: "We have every reason to be thankful as the support was brilliant last season: We experienced great backing all the way – also at times when it wasn't going that well. For example, I can think of the game at Köln, which was a disaster for all of us on the pitch. Despite that, our fans gave us great support again the following week. That gave us a real boost."
After the hour-long discussion at the BayArena, the fans moved on to the beer garden on the north side of the ground to round off the event in a sociable atmosphere. Fernando Carro, Meinolf Sprink (community affairs and fans director) were there too along with the team from the Fan House represented by Frank Linde, Andreas Paffrath and Rüdiger Vollborn to chat with the fans. "It's really important to get together as we all share the same aim: We want to be successful on the pitch. In order to achieve that sporting success it's important for our fans to support the team in good as well as difficult times," said Carro.
The season card waiting list, introduced by Bayer 04 last season, is open to Bayer 04 Club members. Read on for further information.
Show moreOlá, Brasil! The Bayer 04 flight landed safely in Rio de Janeiro early on Tuesday morning local time. From the airport it was straight to the beach in immediate proximity to the team hotel where club legend Paulo Sergio welcomed the team. The first training session is on the agenda in the afternoon. Bayer04.de will provide a close-up report on the Werkself over the next ten days with one blog per day giving insights into the events on tour. Day one of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings are in local time).
Show moreThe Werkself training camp officially began early on Tuesday morning with the landing in Rio de Janeiro. Ahead of the first session in the afternoon local time, bayer04.de profiles the talented youngsters from the youth teams who have travelled to Brazil.
Show moreThe welcome in Brazil could not have been more fitting: Paulo Sergio, with a small Bayer 04 delegation, welcomed the Werkself to Rio de Janeiro on the beach in front of the team hotel on Tuesday morning local time. Under clear blue skies, players, coaches and staff joined together for a group photo and then it was off to the rooms and breakfast. Shortly after the Werkself arrived, club legend Paulo Sergio, who will accompany the Werkself over the coming days, talked bayer04.de about these emotional moments for him.
Show morePreparations for the 2025/26 season are in full swing with the new head coach Erik ten Hag working for the start of the season in the middle of August. After the timings for the first matchdays in the forthcoming Bundesliga season were confirmed a few days ago, we now provide information on the first sale phase for match tickets. The early booker phase, exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members, brings some changes. Read on for further information.
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