Therefore, Bayer 04, who have often spoken out in the past for a responsible but also optimistic approach to opening stadiums, has now released a statement by the managing directors Fernando Carro (chairman) and Rudi Völler (sporting):
"Bayer 04 Leverkusen sharply criticise the hesitant and inconsistent position of German politicians in relation to dealing with the issue of spectators in professional sport. According to the changing circumstances, we expect suitable treatment of sport and professional football in particular, which unfortunately have recently fallen victim to an unrealistic symbolic politics.
We remain great advocates – and also pioneers – of level-headed handling of the effects of the pandemic. However, it is now time to take responsible steps back to normality.
Other big leagues in Europe are showing how that can work. England now has almost no restrictions, stadiums in Spain are 75% open with an incidence rate of over 3,000, France will allow full capacity crowds from next week and Serie A will go up to 50% capacity at the start of February.
There is no verified evidence that even one match in the Bundesliga or Bundesliga 2 has been the source of significantly increased infection rates – also neither the venue nor the approaches to the stadium. Other cultural events in Germany are taking place at almost full capacity and mostly in enclosed spaces. A completely disproportionate state of affairs.
The voices of our fans get louder and louder, the urgent need for perspective and openness is clear and is not only seen in that way by the clubs affected. We therefore call on the North Rhine-Westphalia government to ensure appropriate and reliable conditions for fans in stadiums and to implement that as soon as possible. In the same way that it has already been set in motion by other federal states – and in the best case scenario in a unified manner across the whole country."
Season tickets for the Werkself home matches in the new Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga season are now on general sale. The season ticket is valid for all 13 matches at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The first home match will be played between 28 and 31 August against the runners-up, VfL Wolfsburg, followed by the clash with the German champions, Bayern Munich, between 11 and 14 September.
Show more
A new team, a new environment, a new challenge—and yet one thing remains the same for Afonso Moreira: his attitude. Total dedication, discipline, and the drive to improve every day have defined the Portuguese player since his early days at Sporting CP. “Even back then, I realized I had to work hard to achieve my goals,” said the 21-year-old. His parents also instilled those values in him from a young age. Values that have driven him ever since, accompanied him to France when he signed for Lyon, and now also form the foundation for his new chapter at Bayer 04. At a media session, the lightning-fast winger spoke about his values, as well as his new teammates, the new coach, and his targets at the club.
Show more
Former Bundesliga and Germany keeper Manfred Manglitz, who was promoted to the Oberliga West with Bayer 04 in 1962, passed away on Monday at the age of 86.
Show more
Justine Brandau and Lobke Loonen joined the Bayer 04 Women’s squad in quick succession this summer. The two Dutch players have been friends since their youth days, and are now playing for the same club for the first time. In an interview at the training camp in Rieden, Brandau and Loonen talk, amongst other things, about their experiences as opponents in the Vrouwen Eredivisie, the dynamic within their new team and their first few weeks in Leverkusen.
Show more
