In a good mood and looking refreshed, Herrlich faced the questions of the journalists where he commented...
...on the fitness levels of the team:
"The players are happy to get going again. Over the long summer break they had a good chance to recover, particularly in terms of mentality. Of course, we hope to go as far as we can in all competitions – that would mean a packed fixture list right up to the winter break. An extra week's holiday doesn't make that much difference. Training plans were issued for the time off – and I'm sure the lads will come back in very good condition. That was also the case last year: In relation to fitness and athleticism we were among the best teams last season – we were really fit! Obviously, now we have to work on details."
...on confident latecomers:
"On the one hand, it's an advantage to have all players together when training restarts. On the other hand, I'm obviously happy to have players come back from tournaments with confidence and hopefully success That spreads to the other players in the squad. I'm happy we've got the Cup winner Lukas Hradecky in the team and I hope he'll pass on his confidence. Now we're hoping Tin Jedvaj can go as far as possible in the World Cup with Croatia. "
...on the squad:
"The squad is more or less complete. One or two are possibly thinking about a move and we will have to make adjustments in that case. I'm assuming I'm going to go into the new season with the squad. If I had a free choice then it would be at the back on the left – Although we've always managed well when Wendell hasn't played. And I still think it's important to have a central striker who is good in the air. That's just a wish I've expressed before. We'll see what happens."
...on Julian Brandt's performances at the World Cup:
"He showed how important it was that he was there. He posed a real threat in all his brief appearances. I thought after the first game, and certainly after the second, that he might get the chance to start. Obviously he's disappointed and the whole situation has affected him. But Julian did a very good job and he can be happy with that. We've given him extra time off so that he comes back hungry and motivated."
...on targets for the season:
"It's a pity we didn't qualify for the Champions League. Of course, that was a disappointment in the end. Our aim again is to qualify for Europe. Beyond that our ambition is to improve and finish in the top four."
...On the 'bike training camp':
"I've always had very good experiences with bike rides. You can't run all the time as that has an effect on the joints. Cycling gives you a completely different base. Now we have a season in front of us where we need that good base to deal with all the challenges facing us. That's why we're doing this 'training camp' with three days on the road.' It's not crossing the Alps but it will be a good workout."
After Jens Nowotny was officially named a Bayer 04 honorary captain last weekend, the long-standing Werkself player is part of the Leverkusen delegation on the trophy tour to New York City next week from 11 to 14 September. In an interview with bayer04.de, the 50-year-old talked about his expectations ahead of the trip to the metropolis on the East Coast of the USA.
Show moreThe German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the dates and kick-off times for matchdays 6 to 12 of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season. Full details of the Bayer 04 fixtures.
Show moreMarkus Rehm, a long jumper at TSV Bayer 04 Leverkusen, won the gold medal for the fourth time in succession at the Paralympics on Wednesday.
Show moreThe fixture details for the second round of the DFB Pokal 2024/25 have been confirmed. The home tie for Bayer 04 against second division SV 07 Elversberg is on Tuesday, 29 October with the kick off at 18.00 CET (live on Sky). That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) on Thursday.
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