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.
In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
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Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
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After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
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Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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Due to the last-minute postponement of the Bundesliga match between Hamburg and the Werkself on Tuesday, 13 January, Bayer 04 will reimburse the ticket price to all 3,500 fans who had already travelled to Hamburg as a sign of appreciation. The tickets remain valid for the rescheduled match (date not yet set).
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