In an in-depth interview, CEO Fernando Carro and new sporting managing director Simon Rolfes talk in detail about their partnership for the first time and reveal which of their opposite number’s characteristics they would like to have. The duo also describe their targets with the Werkself, recall the start of their working together and even make a brave bet in the end.
In the 160 pages, head coach Gerardo Seoane and midfielder Kerem Demirbay also discuss the new season and their particular aims. The Werkself squad is presented in detail, lovers of statistics can discover historic data on Bayer 04 in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup as well as competitions on the European stage. Fans can also find out about the Champions League, the Youth League and the Veterans team plus the Bayer 04 eSports squad. Thomas Eichin explains the role of the Mexico tour in the strategy of internationalisation and professionalisation of the Women’s section. The almanac also has a detailed service section.
Moreover: The ‘normal’ Werkself magazine is also part of the service package and it appears four times per year – there is also an additional special edition this season for the start of the Champions League campaign.
You can read up on everything from the world of the Werkself now in the 2022/23 Werkself yearbook. You can also receive a copy by becoming a Club member. Sign up for membership here.
You can also browse all previous editions of the Werkself magazines since the first in the 2015/16 season.
Sandwiched between their UEFA Champions League knockout play-off tie against Olympiacos, Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action on Saturday with a trip to Union Berlin (kick-off: 15:30 CET). It’s a fixture of contrasting styles, with Leverkusen preferring to control the play while Union look to remain compact and counter. The Berliners are therefore suited to facing top teams, but they have only ever managed to win one of 16 meetings with the Werkself, who are looking for a fifth clean sheet of 2026 but will need to beware the home side’s threat from set pieces. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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After six wins in seven games, the Werkself will be looking to continue their winning run in the capital at FC Union Berlin. Coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke ahead of the match on Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET) about defenders, the short preparation time and the condition of the pitch at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei.
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Union Berlin have performed particularly well against the top clubs in the Bundesliga this season with a draw at home to Bayern Munich and wins against VfB Stuttgart and RB Leipzig. This Saturday, 21 February (kick-off: 15:30 CET), the Irons now welcome the Werkself, currently sixth in the table, to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. And the hosts are in desperate need of a win. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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It took exactly 60 minutes for the Werkself to take the lead through a perfectly finished counter-attack by Patrik Schick in the first leg of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off at Olympiacos. Referring to the meeting in the league phase and the initially squandered opportunities, coach Kasper Hjulmand said afterwards: "I thought: 'Oh no, déjà-vu.'" But after the opening goal, it took just 144 seconds for the Czech to spark more wild celebrations among those in black and red in the Greek cauldron, when Schick nodded in Alejandro Grimaldo's corner. Much to the delight of the Bayer 04 fans, his teammates and his coach, who had warm words for the striker in the aftermath. The Werkself Review.
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