The U12 players started warming up on pitch one at 17.00 CET on the dot. But there were two additional players there last night: Nadiem Amiri and Karim Bellarabi joined in with the youth players while Xabi Alonso's assistant coach Alberto Encinas worked in tandem with U12 coach Yannick Lamberz in preparing the first drill in the 90-minute session.
Loads of parents were on the touchlines to see their children train with the first team players. "The parents are absolutely thrilled with this event – and the children really so," declared Rainer Fehl, parental support officer at Bayer 04, on the edge of the pitch at Kurtekotten.
There was an international element on the next pitch. Amine Adli and Alonso's assistant coach Sebastian Parrilla joined the U13 training group. The kids had no problem with the English instructions from the Argentinian or talking to the France U21 international Adli.
While Niklas Lomb held a session with the keepers from the four youth teams, there was a seven vs seven tournament for the U14 players on the pitch at the end of the complex. Wearing a yellow bib was Germany international Florian Wirtz. In the team without the bibs: Bayer 04 regular starter Robert Andrich. There were no signs of nerves from the youngsters. As usual, they played their fast passing game.
The warm-up routine for the oldest youth team present, the U15 side, was followed by a practice match. In the middle of the action was the France international Moussa Diaby.
Time moved on and it was soon the end of the unusual training session for the U12 to U15 age groups. Afterwards there were pizzas the first team and youth players in the dressing rooms and there was obviously a lot to talk about. There were plenty of questions for the pros. Selfies and autographs were also on the agenda. Memories of an unforgettable day with their idols...
"A more than successful event that once again shows the great connection between the BayArena and Kurtekotten," said Maximilian Straub in summing up the session. The assistant head of the Performance Centre, Thomas Eichin, was the organiser of the joint training session for the youngsters and the pros. "The lads had real fun as did the pros. We are already looking forward to the second part next week."
The second group of the Werkself squad will work with the Leverkusen U8 to U11 teams.
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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