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.
The Nerazzurri are in town: Today, Tuesday 10 December, Bayer 04 entertain the reigning champions of Italy Inter Milan on Matchday 6 in the UEFA Champions League (kick-off: 21.00 CET/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). Read on for the latest information on the home game at the BayArena.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 U19 team lost 1-0 to Inter Milan on the sixth and final matchday in the league phase of the UEFA Youth League 2024/25. The only goal of the game was scored just after the hour mark. While the side from North Italy have finished top in the league phase with a maximum points return, the Leverkusen team appeared to have just missed out on the knockout stages of the European competition. There is faint hope looking to several games to follow where results are needed to go the way of the Werkself.
Show moreItalian teams are known for being strong in defence. The fact that Inter Milan, the next opponents for the Werkself in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 10 December (kick-off: 20.45 CET), have not conceded a single goal in their last five matches is impressive. Will the visitors' keeper Yann Sommer be able to keep a clean sheet at the BayArena against Florian Wirtz and Co.? The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Borussia Dortmund on Bundesliga Matchday 16. The game at the Signal Iduna Park on Friday, 10 January 2025, kicks off at 20.30 CET. Read on for information on ticket sales.
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