Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock on the playing field at the Zell am See commercial college. 'Train like the pros’ is on a black and red banner at the entrance. There is plenty of action on the pitch with the first drills already underway. There are 22 children at this year’s fifth Soccer School summer camp in Salzburger Land. Seven of them are from the local region and the capital Vienna with the other kids having travelled from Leverkusen to the Alps last weekend accompanied by five coaches.
The Black and Red youngsters train twice a day from Monday to Friday. In between the sessions, they either visit the Werkself training sessions or go to the lido on Zeller See, which is a few minutes walk away from the commercial college. The kids can try out stand-up paddle boarding. And there is plenty to do in the evenings too: From a foam party at the accommodation, the Club Kitzsteinhorn youth hostel, through to visiting the Gorgeous Lights event.
Another highlight at the training camp: Watching Lukas Hradecky and Co. play top-flight Italian club Udinese in Thursday's friendly at the Alois Latini Stadium in Zell am See. They have already had a group photo with the whole squad.
The passing and shooting drills certainly put the kids at the Soccer School through their paces in the summer temperatures of over 30 degrees in Salzburger Land. But that doesn't bother Ida from Leichlingen: "I like the training sessions best. When we finish we usually go to the lake. A chance to cool off," said the 12-year-old who is taking part in the camp with her two-years younger brother Leif. Everybody heads home on Saturday after five days of training.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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