Wolfgang Holzhäuser, Bayer 04 CEO from 1998 to 2013, looks at the phase when Rudi Völler took over the role as sporting director after four years working for the DFB that saw him take Germany to the 2002 World Cup final as head coach:
"Our almost ten-year association began in 2004. Reiner Calmund left in the spring of that year – and it was clear to me: Rudi Völler would be the sporting director with the charisma and the right pedigree to suit Bayer 04 down to the ground.
When I watched his last match as the national coach against the Czech Republic at the 2004 European Championships from the stands it was clear to me: If Rudi Völler really gives up as national coach then we have to get him back to Leverkusen. I was convinced we definitely needed a sporting director of the classic mould. We reached agreement and Rudi came back to us after a four-year break as the national coach.
That was possibly my best signing. Rudi gave us an unmistakable identity on the sporting front. He initiated and shaped a lot of transfers – and was also happy to get involved in negotiations if the other side needed convincing. Rudi is incredibly empathetic and is very good at understanding the feelings of other people and reacting accordingly. And whenever he had a go at referees or others in his impulsive way then he was usually sorry for that half an hour later. He apologised as he also always looks for harmony.
I've rarely met anybody who is as friendly as Rudi Völler We rarely disagreed with each other; and if that did happen then we always found a joint solution. Being loyal is one of his great strengths. Rudi also accepted responsibility for decisions, which he wasn't completely convinced about. We also never needed a note on the files about things we discussed. He always stuck to his word even if there was resistance from other quarters.
And of course: Rudi is simply a perfect master of the art of representation. His personal presence and the affection he shows to all other people whether that's the Federal Chancellor or a cleaner will make him a wonderful ambassador for Bayer 04."
#DankeRudi – Part III: Ballack: ‘Rudi knew exactly what made players tick’
#DankeRudi – Part II: Calmund: "Where would Bayer 04 be without Rudi Völler?”
#DankeRudi – Part I: Hermann: "A slick operator full of ambition"
Day four of the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour is all about the Werkself friendly against the CR Flamengo U20 team. Before the kick-off at the Estádio da Gávea today, Friday, 18 July, at 14:30 local time (19:30 CEST), the Werkself players will warm-up at the team hotel. In addition: A communal evening event with a view of the famous landmark in Rio de Janeiro. Bayer04.de keeps you up-to-date with on the spot reports. Day four blog on the Bayer 04 Brazil Tour (timings in local time).
Show moreThe Werkself lost 5-1 against the Flamengo U20 team in the first pre-season friendly ahead of the 2025/26 season. The scorers for the Brazilian team, playing in the middle of their season, were Lorran (3’), an Arthur own goal (11’), Matheus Goncalves (40’), Pedro Leao (45+4’) and Gusttavo (55’). Head coach Erik ten Hag made several substitutions on 30 minutes and he made ten more changes on the hour mark. The Werkself were then more proactive on the pitch with the input from Granit Xhaka, Robert Andrich and Co. bringing significantly more attacking moves that led to a number of chances. Montrell Culbreath netted a consolation strike on 71 minutes for the final score of 5-1.
Show moreA 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 moreThe current Werkself player Arthur, global star Vinícius Júnior and Brazil legend Zico – they all played for the youth teams at CR Flamengo. The U20 team at the big club from Rio de Janeiro is one of the best academies in Brazil and has produced a lot of stars as well as securing national and international trophies over the past few years. Ahead of the friendly against the Werkself today, Friday 18 July (kick-off: 14:30/19:30 CEST) bayer04.de profiles the highly successful youth team.
Show more