Werkself in Berlin – live blog

+++25 May, 21:59 CEST+++

We've done it! The double to crown a historic season: Bayer 04 edged out 1. FC Kaiserslautern 1-0 in the DFB Pokal final to lift the trophy! Granit Xhaka scored the winning goal after just 16 minutes with a brilliant long-range strike. It means head coach Xabi Alonso's men have won the Bundesliga title for the first time and the DFB Pokal for the second time in the club's history in the same season. HERE is the match report! The double party can begin...

+++25 May, 19:04 CEST+++

Hurra, hurra, Bayer are here! Our supporters, who travelled together from the Bayer 04 fan fest to the Olympiastadion, have now arrived. After a quick refreshment in the stadium concourse, it's off to the stands. And by the way, they are completely black and red on our side of the stadium! A nice sight.

+++25 May, 15:08 CEST+++

The party continues on Hammarskjöld-Platz! After Carro's appearance, the DJ played numerous hits on stage, which the countless Bayer 04 fans sang along to frenetically. At 14:30, several players from the 1993 cup-winning team took to the stage for a chat with Pitti Dahl and Tobi Ufer. Andreas Thom, who played for Bayer 04 from 1990 to 1995, said for example: :It's impressive what's happening at Bayer 04 this season. When I look around here today and walk through the streets, it's a fantastic backdrop." Markus Happe, active from 1991 to 2000 and later with the second team, explained: "Our cup win was an unforgettable experience. It was difficult back then against the Hertha amateurs, who were at home here. Today, however, things are different. We are no longer the ugly duckling, we are the deserved German champions." Heiko Herrlich, player at Bayer 04 from 1989 to 1993 and later coach , emphasised: "The team really wants this second title. I rarely go out on a limb, but I'm sure they'll succeed today."

Finally, Bayer 04 legend and record appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn took to the microphone and fervently appealed for the fans' support in tonight's cup final: "We've shown all season what a special energy we can radiate. I want to see this energy from you again later in the game!" - the crowd applauded loudly.

+++25 May, 13:48 CEST+++

But back to the place to be - Hammarskjöld-Platz! The gates have been open there in bright sunshine since 12 noon. The official opening was performed by B04 CEO Fernando Carro at 13:30. Speaking to the two presenters Pitti Dahl and Tobias Ufer on stage, Carro was emotional: "At the end of the season, all the teams in Germany want to be here. But there are only two and we are one of them. We were here without fans at the 2020 cup final during the coronavirus pandemic. Now to be back in Berlin with so many of you and to be able make you happy is a great feeling. I'd like to thank so many of you for being here today!"

The Spaniard was also looking forward to the final game of the 2023/24 season: "It's the last game of the season. We want to end it on a positive note. After Wednesday, we're even more eager to get the spoils here today. We learn from moments like this for the future and for future finals. The boys want to show what they can do once again and clinch the double. They've earned it!"

Finally, Carro thanked all the fans once again and addressed emotional words to the Bayer 04 supporters who had already turned up in large numbers: "You've played a big part in all of this. We appreciate that and don't forget that you've always been there, even in difficult times, so that we can now celebrate together here in good times!" In keeping with the party announcement, DJ Actimax turned up the music again and played numerous well-known Bayer 04 songs. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy!

+++25 May, 12:30 CEST+++

While lots of supporters have already arrived at the Bayer 04 fan fest, the squad have completed their activation at the team hotel. As usual, it involves some stretching exercises followed by some games of football tennis.

+++25 May, 10:47 CEST+++

How to start cup final day! Around 500 Bayer 04 fans got in the mood for the evening's clash with 1. FC Kaiserslautern at the fan brunch in Berlin's top location Klunkerkranich on Saturday morning. Above the rooftops of the capital, they enjoyed food and cold drinks in a black and red atmosphere and with a view of the television tower and the Berlin skyline.

Paulo Sergio did not miss out on this unique event. The Bayer 04 club legend got chatting to the fans and was of course happy to fulfil selfie and autograph requests. "The atmosphere here in the location, but also yesterday in the city, is just great. Yesterday in the underground and on the streets I was approached by a few fans. The time with Bayer 04 is really nice, I'm enjoying it."

The Brazilian, who was with the Werkself from 1993 to 1997, added: "The chances are good tonight, but you have to do the job first. You certainly feel in this location: it's a good day to make history in this historic city and win the double!"

+++25 May, 9:04 CEST+++

Good morning! It was certainly a good night at the sold-out Bayer 04 club party on Friday - as you can see below:

+++24 May, 19:32 CEST+++

In mild and – at first – dry conditions, the Werkself kicked off their final training session at 7.15pm. After some running exercises, there was a one-touch passing game on a small pitch. They then turned to passing drills with the whole team, again in a small space to up the intensity. And then it started to rain suddenly, crashing off the roof of the Olympiastadion and onto the pitch, making a hell of a noise.

Once they’ve finished training, the team will head back to the hotel. In the meantime, fans who’ve already arrived in the capital are gearing up for tomorrow’s final at the club party organised by Bayer 04 in the city. We’ll have photos and highlights from that event tomorrow.

+++24 May, 18:40 CEST+++

The pre-match press conference is over. Kaiserslautern boss Friedhelm Funkel said: “Being in a cup final again is a feeling you can’t describe. I never expected it. I’m really looking forward to tomorrow.” It’s the 70-year-old’s third time in the DFB Pokal showpiece as a coach, having previously led Duisburg and Eintracht Frankfurt to Berlin. He took over Lautern in February, guiding the relegation-threatened Red Devils to safety in Bundesliga 2 – finishing 13th – and winning the cup semi-final. On that subject, Funkel added: “Since I only took over for the semis, my thanks also to my predecessors who got the club that far in the first place.”

Talking about Bayer 04, the Kaiserslautern boss said: “Leverkusen are very professional. We’re going to be faced with an extremely tough task.” When asked why Funkel had said back in December that he was sure the Werkself would win the Bundesliga, the 70-year-old explained: “I was still retired then [laughs]. I often went to the BayArena and watched their games. It was just impressive how the team played.”

Captain Jean Zimmer also stated: “I’m incredibly proud that I get to represent this club in such an important game. I’m so excited about tomorrow.”

We’ll bring you the key statements from Alonso and Hradecky as usual in our press conference report.

+++24 May, 17:37 CEST+++

The Werkself are now on their way to the Olympiastadion, where the final preparations for tomorrow’s final are being made. Coaches Friedhelm Funkel and Xabi Alonso, alongside their respective captains Jean Zimmer and Lukas Hradecky, will be appearing at the press conference from 6.15pm. Then Bayer 04 will have their final training session, with the first 15 minutes open to the media. We’ll bring you some key statements from Funkel and Zimmer afterwards. We’ll also have some photos from training for you.

+++24 May, 12:10 CEST+++

Given the lovely weather today in Berlin, the players decided to go take a walk through the park next door. It’s a bit warmer and sunnier than Dublin earlier this week. The squad will sit down for lunch in a bit.

+++24 May, 9:04 CEST+++

Good morning, Berlin! After a relaxing night, the Werkself are kicking off today with breakfast together. Later this morning there’ll be a small activation session, then after another meal they’ll head to the Olympiastadion in the early evening. At 6.15pm, the two head coaches (Friedhelm Funkel and Xabi Alonso) and captains (Jean Zimmer and Lukas Hradecky) will be speaking at the pre-match press conference. Around an hour after that, Bayer 04 have their final training session, which is open to the media for the first 15 minutes. We’ll bring you the latest from all that happens with the Werkself today.

+++23 May, 19:02 CEST+++

The Werkself have touched down in Berlin! The squad will now make their way to their hotel for some dinner after today’s travelling. Club ambassador and honorary captain Stefan Kießling also spoke at the airport to some media outlets: “The team faces another exciting task in Berlin with the possibility of a title. That maybe makes it easier to put behind yesterday’s game behind us. Everyone is really excited, the atmosphere for a DFB Pokal final is traditionally great the whole day.”