Power training, technique, stretching and letting the ball run – was what the numerous spectators, and currently out of contract coach Markus Weinzierl, were able to observe on Wednesday. Julian Baumgartlinger today trained one-to-one with fitness coach Daniel 'Giga' Jouvin as he tested out his ankle with constant passing drills. "Today's session was relatively relaxed. After yesterday I had a few aches and pains to deal with but overall the same applies to most of the others," said Kerem Demirbay. That was confirmed by Aleksandar Dragovic: "Yesterday was very intense – a lot needed the oxygen tent," he joked. "We are continuing to work on our fitness and what the coach demands of us." The view of the mountains and Lake Zeller, which a few of the pros dived into to cool off after training, quickly made them forget about aching bones: "It's wonderful here – pure nature! The air, the atmosphere – you can really enjoy it," added Demirbay.
After the return to the hotel and the communal lunch, it was time for numerous PR and media events. The travelling and local journalists conducted individual interviews with the Werkself players. Bayer04 TV also used the opportunity to get Karim Bellarabi and Kerem Demirbay in front of the camera. The latter admitted: "I can be a handful on the pitch at times. But I'm happy to accept responsibility and I try to protect the lads." The interviews will soon be on bayer04.de.
Lars Bender was in demand as an interviewee after being named captain again by the head coach. "I didn't have any doubts about it," said Bosz. Kevin Volland was confirmed as vice-captain and the other deputies are Julian Baumgartlinger and Kai Havertz for the first time in his professional career. The coach also announced the team committee: Lars Bender, Julian Baumgartlinger, Kai Havertz, Wendell and Jonathan Tah were chosen. Whereby our number four was named in his absence as Tah, exactly like Charles Aránguiz and Leon Bailey, is still on holiday after playing in a tournament. "I have to speak to Jona first," said Bosz. The Dutchman also picked out Kevin Volland as leader in the team: "Kevin is always very much on the ball. He always addresses issues and therefore doesn't need to be on the team committee as well."
In the afternoon, the Werkself and the Bayer 04 management took up the invitation from the long-term partner Salzburger Land to visit the Zell am See-Kaprun Golf Club for the opening of the new football golf course. After a ceremonial reception with brass band music it was first time to exchange gifts – the directors Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler each accepted pair of skis in Bayer 04 colours – before a few balls were hit or kicked on the new course. In the subsequent press interview, Fernando Carro praised the cooperation with Salzburger Land: "The training pitches and the hotel are outstanding! We are very happy here." And Rudi Völler underlined that assessment: "Once again, we have excellent conditions here – just like we have over the past seven years. They are always the basis for the new season."
The right equipment is needed to make the most of the optimum conditions on site. And that came from Leverkusen. The total weight of the equipment at the training camp is 1.4 tons. Over the course of the week it all adds up – over 500 litres of drinks with electrolyte powder were on board, 250 rolls of tape, 150 pairs of running shoes and football boots, 50 balls, 40 transport containers, 32 mannequins, 30 GPS transmitters, 25 poles and nine different sets of kit for the players and coaches. On top of that there are six treatment tables, five ice barrels with five tons of ice and two rugby tackle pads. Hopefully to remain unused are the ultrasound device and the emergency kit including defibrillator.
#B04inAustria – Day 1: Two birthdays and a 'bobble ban'
#B04inAustria – Day 2: Visit from DFB Cup winning captain
Click here for gallery – The best images from day three!
A first win in the preseason: In the last friendly before the start of a two-week break in training, the Bayer 04 Women beat top-flight Dutch side Ajax 1-0. In the match played over three 30-minute thirds Vanessa Fudalla scored the goal for the Werkself. In the previous two friendlies this summer, the team led by head coach Roberto Pätzold lost 2-0 two Bundesliga rivals TSG Hoffenheim and drew 1-1 with the Dutch team PEC Zwolle.
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Alejo Sarco has joined the Werkself training camp in Brazil. The 19-year-old striker, signed from Argentinian club Vélez Sarsfield in January, talks to bayer04.de about his first six months in Germany, help from Exequiel Palacios and his targets up to the end of the year.
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The friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team on Friday, 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) represents the sporting highlight of the current Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Ahead of the clash at the Estádio da Gávea against the highly successful youth team, there was a media event with the two Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes plus head coach Erik ten Hag. The trio talked about the forthcoming opponents, first impressions of Brazil and the reasons for holding the training camp in the land of the five-time World Cup winners. Here are the key statements.
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Day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour. Today, Thursday 17 July, sees the two new signings Jarell Quansah and Christian Kofane join the squad in training. Plus the former Werkself players Paulo Sergio and Rodrigo Chagas visit the Bayer AG Football School. In the afternoon there is a big media event ahead of the friendly against the Flamengo U20s. As usual, Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on-the-spot reports. The blog for day three of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings given in local time).
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