The 'Wir(04)helfen' day gives the club the opportunity to give something back to Leverkusen. For a fourth time, Bayer 04 spent a day working at a community facility. After previous years getting the playground in Rheindorf, a road traffic practice circuit and a day nursery in Opladen plus a children's home in Quettingen ship shape again, this time renovation work at the Reuschenberg wildlife park was on the agenda. The 60,000 square metre area houses over 80 different types of wild and domestic animals – over 200 animals can be seen at the extensive facility. The park was closed on Wednesday for redevelopment and modification.
The squad reduced by international commitments including Leon Bailey, Karim Bellarabi and the Bender twins worked alongside Bayer 04 staff at the wildlife park to install new bike stands, repair benches and repaint tables and walls. On top of that, the gutters at the entrance were cleaned out to prevent flooding. The otters in the park could enjoy their newly redesigned enclosure – another was set up for three new Bennett kangaroos. The young animals have not been named yet. Lion Club members are welcome to get involved in naming the animals by sending in their suggestions (information to follow in the Lions Club newspaper).
After the job was completed, all involved were happy with the results – with the wildlife park shining like new. Heiko Herrlich was also enthusiastic: "It felt a bit like one of our team building sessions and it produced a team spirit – with the feeling of having achieved something together,"said the 46-year-old. "We've all been to the wildlife park as a child or as an adult. It's very beautiful here – including the playground. I'm sure to come back here with my children."
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.
Show moreAlejo 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.
Show moreThe 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.
Show moreDay 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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