"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.
Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.
Show more
A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...
Show more
This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.
Show more
Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
Show more
Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more
