Martínez surprises Leverkusen fans with four open training sessions Bayer Leverkusen starts the new season with a surprise for the fans. After the first training session under new coach Carles Martínez (42), the Spaniard, together with club officials, changed the original schedule for the training camp in Blankenhain. Instead of just one session, four training sessions will now be open to the public. Leverkusen currently sits in 6th place in the Bundesliga with 59 points from 34 games (17 wins, 8 draws, 9 losses) and a goal difference of 68:47. After a disappointing 1-1 draw against Hamburger SV (May 16, 2026) and poor form in the last five games (1 win, 2 draws, 2 losses), the club hopes for a strong preparation. ## Why the decision for more open sessions? Martínez's decision comes after criticism from the „Kurvenrat Leverkusen“, which complained about an „increasing alienation and isolation“ of the team from the fans. The original plan only included one open session on August 2. Martínez explains: „For me, the connection with the team, but also with the fans, is very important. If we build a good relationship with the fans, they will support us maximally in good moments, but they will also help us especially when we suffer in bad moments.“ ## What does this mean for the training camp? The training camp in Blankenhain takes place from August 2 to 7. The sessions on August 2, 3, 4, and 5 are now open to fans. Only the final session on August 7 remains closed to prepare for the test match against FC Sevilla on August 8 in the BayArena. ## How do the fans react? The fans are enthusiastic about the decision. Many had been annoyed by the original plan and wanted more transparency. Martínez's step is seen as a positive signal for the relationship between the team and the supporters. Leverkusen hopes to improve the mood before the new season with this measure.