
In conversation with host Cedric Pick, the currently in-demand specialist for internal medicine talked about the latest developments with the coronavirus pandemic, the latest political decisions at state level plus his wide range of duties at the Werkself. The 57-year-old medic also provided insights into the club’s hygiene protocol, the different testing procedures as well as the handling and chain of action with positive test results as was the case recently with Werkself defender Edmond Tapsoba after his return from international duty.
The Leverkusen-born doctor, who, in addition to his role at Bayer 04, is the director of a group practice in Leverkusen-Quettingen, outs himself in the entertaining dialogue as a longstanding Bayer 04 fan, a supporter of the Werkself from the stands long before he became the club doctor. In his very first season of his employment at the club, which ‘Kalla’ describes as a coincidence, he was able to follow the historic 2002 season first hand with the three runners-up finishes – so defining and indescribable as many short-notice and short overseas trips involved with transfers.
In the entertaining discussion, Karl-Heinrich Dittmar talks about his values, his multifaceted workload, lack of time and his pride in the club’s training and rehab centre the Werkstatt. The father of four not only revealed a great sense of humour but also loads of empathy.
In addition to the opening jingle, the Werks11 podcast also includes other items (including ‘My top 04’, ‘Either...or...’). Other guests speaking are his former boss Reiner Calmund plus former Bayer 04 keeper René Adler who surprise Karl-Heinrich Dittmar with a question.
Moreover: From now, the Werks11 podcast will be available every two weeks. The next episode will be available on Tuesday 15 December.
Just subscribe to the Werks11 podcast to make sure you don’t miss any of the episodes – at Soundcloud, iTunes or Spotify.

Fans at the BayArena got to enjoy a spectacle on Wednesday as the Werkself came from behind to beat Nürnberg 5-2 in the DFB Pokal. Now with the sixth home game of the season, can Bayer 04 maintain their perfect record in Leverkusen as VfB Stuttgart come to town in the Bundesliga on Saturday (15:30 CET)? The visitors have had issues domestically this term, sitting in 15th place, although they have had much better results in the UEFA Champions League. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 8 encounter…
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Three days after the spectacular comeback in the DFB Pokal tie against FC Nürnberg (5–2), the Werkself face their next challenge in the Bundesliga. On Saturday, 31 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET), Bayer 04 host VfB Stuttgart, currently 15th in the table, at the BayArena. Ahead of the match, Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about important factors in preparing for this next game given a tight fixture list.
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Despite VfB Stuttgart performing well in the Champions League, they are facing a difficult spell early on in the Bundesliga. Three days after their last-minute victory in the DFB Pokal at SC Paderborn 07, the Swabians can now take to the pitch at the BayArena with greater confidence on Saturday, 31 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.
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A special afternoon at the Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp: At the Liga 20 indoor football centre, in the shadow of the BayArena, two Werkself women’s team players led a training session. Loreen Bender and Selina Ostermeier not only offered the young players advice and support, but also got stuck in themselves.
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