The idea of a photo event came up in the group a few days ago. With the help of their parents, the youngsters want to share a little joy in these difficult times. Coach Mark Fuldauer explained: "We thought about what we could put together with the players in addition to the normal training drills we give them. After talking to the parents, all the lads were very happy about this idea."
Together with Jürgen Haagmans, Fuldauer has already coached the Bayer 04 U8 team for 14 years. The duo first looked after the group born in 2000 – and many others have followed. The third coach of the youngest team is Tim Molowitz who has been in post for four years. The three coaches keep in contact with their players via a WhatsApp group, which they set up with the parents. This is used for sending training exercises to the children, which they then complete voluntarily within a week and can also save as a video.
The current U8 squad have trained together since the summer but the team has been forced to take a break since the end of October. "It always takes one or two months before the lads come together as a team," explained Fuldauer. In the winter there used to be several indoor tournaments that helped drive the process forward. Team trips were also planned. Until fixtures were suspended, his team did gain in terms of knowledge of the game, enjoyment in playing and technical qualities. "But, above all, fun in playing football obviously comes first."
The good news is that the squad have gelled in spite of the relatively short time together at Kurtekotten and friendships have also been established.
That is also evident in the successful photo event. The U8s wish everyone "a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Stay healthy."
They had their hands full in the VAR centre in Cologne: eight goals were scored at the MEWA Arena on Saturday afternoon, but only four of them were allowed in the end as the Werkself and 1. FSV Mainz 05 closed the season with a 2-2 draw. It means Bayer 04 end the 2024/25 campaign as runners-up with 69 points, representing the fourth-best season in the club's history. What's more, the Werkself are now unbeaten away from home in two whole Bundesliga seasons, with their last away defeat coming exactly two years ago on Matchday 34 of the 2022/23 season at VfL Bochum. The Black-and-Reds can continue the record run next season - albeit without Alonso and Tah. Read what else the eventful final game for the head coach and the defensive leader had to offer in the Werkself Review.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-2 draw at Mainz 05 on the 34th matchday of the Bundesliga 2024/25...
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Bayer 04’s final game of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season saw VAR drama and produced a new record for away results with a 2-2 draw in Mainz. The hosts had several goals ruled out before Paul Nebel put them ahead. Patrik Schick’s brace then turned things around in the second half before Jonathan Burkardt’s penalty levelled the game again. It means Leverkusen have now gone 34 away games without defeat in the Bundesliga, which no team has ever done before.
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The Werkself bring down the curtain on their 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign with a game away at Mainz on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 34 meeting at the MEWA Arena.
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Xabi Alonso is leaving Leverkusen at the end of the season. In his final interview as Werkself coach, he talks about his two-and-a-half years at the helm, the greatest moments of his historic tenure and his appreciation of the connection with the fans and players throughout their remarkable progress together.
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