Agitation about Bayern training start: Azmoun doesn't come

The master sets to work again - Agitation about Bayern training start: Azmoun doesn't come

At the first team training session of Bayer Leverkusen's pre-season preparation, there is trouble. Striker Sardar Azmoun was not present for the first public training session of the Bundesliga champions.

"I only know that he wasn't there. That's obvious. So we need to find out what's going on," said Bayer sport chief Simon Rolfes to the crowd of around 500 fans. The 29-year-old Iranian had appeared for the performance diagnosis before the start of training on Sunday.

Azmoun missing after loan ends

"Not just performance diagnosis, training needs to be done. He's not here today. He was here yesterday, not here today. We'll see about that," Rolfes continued. According to media reports, FC Sevilla and clubs from Saudi Arabia are interested in the striker, who still has a contract with Leverkusen until 2027.

Azmoun is one of the players Leverkusen could still sell in the coming weeks. Defender Jonathan Tah is also a potential departure. The national defender would like to join FC Bayern Munich.

Bayer's goal: Back in the mix

Rolfes announced that there might be some comings and goings at the start of training. "Our squad structure remains the same, though," said the sport chief, who wants to attack with this squad in the new season as well. "We have a top squad for the Bundesliga's top tier. We want to mix it up again, naturally."

In the previous season, Leverkusen had become German champions and DFB Cup winners without a loss. Only in the Europa League final against Atalanta Bergamo had the team of trainer Xabi Alonso suffered a defeat (0:3).

Hofmann warns against high expectations

In light of this dominance in the previous season, offensive player Jonas Hofmann warned against excessive expectations in the new season. "I hope everyone understands that this was an exceptional season. Whether anyone can ever manage to go through a season undefeated again is questionable," said the 32-year-old. "I hope everyone will keep things in perspective and not expect us to do it again."

1. The absence of Sardar Azmoun at Bayer Leverkusen's pre-season training session sparked concerns among the team's management.
2. Simon Rolfe, Bayer's sport chief, expressed his puzzlement about Azmoun's absence during the team training session, attended by around 500 fans.
3. According to Rolfe, Azmoun had participated in the performance diagnosis before the start of training on Sunday, but was missing during the actual session.
4. Rumors suggest that FC Sevilla and clubs from Saudi Arabia are showing interest in Azmoun, whose contract with Bayer Leverkusen extends until 2027.
5. Bayer Leverkusen's goal for the upcoming season is to be competitive again, as they aim to regain their position in Germany's top league, the Bundesliga.
6. Simon Rolfe hinted at potential departures from the team during the pre-season, mentioning striker Sardar Azmoun and defender Jonathan Tah as potential exits.
7. In light of Bayer Leverkusen's dominant performance in the previous season, offensive player Jonas Hofmann advised against setting overly high expectations for the upcoming campaign in North Rhine-Westphalia's Bundesliga.

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