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!
Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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The German Football League (DFL) has shortlisted Martin Terrier’s scorpion kick goal against 1. FC Köln for the 2025/26 Bundesliga Goal of the Season. Bayer 04 fans can vote for their favourite goal via the Bundesliga app from now until Monday 25 May (23:59 CEST).
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Bayer 04 will be preparing young talents for a potential sporting career in an even more systematic way in future. The club is breaking new ground to help develop their academic, social and personal skills as well. With the ‘Haus der Talente' or 'Talent House’, Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH is creating a new centre for the development of young athletes in a central location in Leverkusen. Once completed – expected to be in the summer of 2027 – the project will be run in partnership with TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen e.V.
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