
The Bayer 04 shareholders committee completed a thorough review of the 2016/2017 season at its meeting on 17 May. This detailed analysis will continue over the next few weeks to determine and implement targeted measures.
In contrast two contrary speculation, the shareholders committee expressed its full confidence in the management of Bayer 04 led by CEO Michael Schade and sporting director Rudi Völler.
"It is purely about doing everything we can to get our club back on track for the coming season," said Werner Wenning, chairman of the shareholders committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH. "We are firmly convinced that will happen under the leadership of Michael Schade and Rudi Völler."
The top priority now is the appointment of a new head coach and then planning the squad for next season. In addition, internal processes and organisational details are to be improved. The aim is to learn from the mistakes of the current campaign to be able to finish in a European spot next season. Bayer 04 have competed in European competition 17 times in the past 20 years including eleven times in the Champions League – with the last four years in succession.

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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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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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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