The Werkself skipper will present his opposite number from Leipzig with a basket of fruit ahead of kick-off. Before that, six members of the Lions Club will hold a banner with the campaign motto '#FitvormTor' ('Fit in front of goal') as the teams come onto the pitch. Furthermore, the BayArena catering will provide a discount on the popular 'Bulgur Cup' on Saturday.
Away from the campaign matchday, Bayer 04 place great value on the subject of health and diet particular with regard to children and teenagers. In addition to the various, age-related campaigns of the 'Bayer 04 goes to school' project, the club is also committed to providing regular exercise opportunities for youngsters – whether that's every day ('Dance shoes for your kindergarten') or at home games (e.g. the Werkslöwenpass for the concourse at the BayArena). On top of that, Bayer 04 organise a range of events to make the issue of health and diet for young and old more attractive: For the youngest there are regular physical activity offers including training like the Werkself or training with the patrons (as at the end of March with Dominick Kohr and the Lion Club kids). There are also constant health-related offers for older fans such as cooking lessons, 'football fans in training' for overweight men and women or walking football sessions for the Silver Lions.
Bayer 04 have other activities planned to raise the profile of the subject of health and diet in the future.
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
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New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
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