"You've got the mic on, haven't you? Have you got the mic on," goalkeeping coach David Thiel wanted to know. And it didn't take long for Gerardo Seoane to answer: "Yes, of course I've got the mic on!"
MIKED UP: The 43-year-old Swiss coach willingly took part in this special experiment for the duration of the game – and he involved the Werkself fans on the touchline. Tactical advice, chatting with his fellow coaches, praise for the opponents and live commentary of action on the pitch: Seoane kept the viewers in the loop. Exclusive insights into the role of a coach at a charity match. Always committed but also with a good portion of humour.
This all happened as part of last week's charity match. The Werkself played a City of Leverkusen side in front of 2,100 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. 33 amateur players from 12 clubs were able to play in the game of their lives against Nadiem Amiri, Kerem Demirbay and Co. The city team even scored a much celebrated consolation goal in the 8-1 defeat.
The most important thing on the night was the donations raised for clubs and social groups badly affected by the floods in July 2021: An impressive €100,000 was raised. The total sum consisted of takings from the charity match as well as the fan flea market at the BayArena at the beginning of October. In addition, Bayer 04 along with main sponsors Barmenia and Premium Partner Tipwin raised the funds to the aforementioned round number.
The Bayer 04 managing directors Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler presented the cheque during the first break to the Leverkusen Community Foundation. CEO Manuel Bast echoed his thanks and was visibly moved: "It's overwhelming to see what Bayer 04, the fans and everybody involved have achieved here. The money donated will help enormously in easing the suffering of the people affected."
A round-up of the evening is available HERE.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.
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A warm welcome to the Weimarer Land, Bayer 04! The Werkself moved into their accommodation for this year’s training camp on Saturday evening. In Blankenhain, Thuringia, head coach Carles Martínez’s team have a programme of gruelling training sessions – several of which will be open to fans – and team-building activities lined up for the next six days. We’ll be following the Werkself up close and providing you with exclusive insights, quotes, photos and videos from the training camp.
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With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.
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Werkself TV shows the highlights of the 3-0 victory in the friendly match against Rot-Weiss Essen...
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without Kennet Eichhorn for the time being. Following specialist medical examinations, the new signing from Berlin has been diagnosed with a metabolic disorder requiring treatment. This was preceded by excessive physical strain and weight loss, partly as a result of a gastrointestinal condition.
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