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.
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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