
"We've discussed it over the past two weeks and agreed it unanimously today. The players are ready to forego part of their wages to support the club in their efforts to overcome the coronavirus crisis," said Bayer 04 captain Lars Bender.
"A gesture" for Rudi Völler, "that has not surprised us after discussions in recent weeks," declared the sporting managing director. "Of course, all of the coaching staff, the directors and management have adopted the same position."
On the day of the first training session in groups of two, Bender added, “today, we again achieved full appreciation in the empty BayArena of how much the different members of staff bring this club to life and how important everybody really is to achieve the best possible conditions for our job. As players, we want to make a contribution so that no single member of staff has to worry and that everything here at Bayer 04 will carry on in a sensible and reliable manner. That is our concern and we're happy to do it."

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 0-2 loss at 1. FC Nürnberg on Matchday 8 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.
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After nine points from their first three away matches of the 2026/27 season, the Bayer 04 Women suffered their first away defeat on Sunday afternoon. The 2-0 defeat away to FC Nürnberg, who were winless before today, represented a setback for coach Roberto Pätzold’s team in the race for the top spots in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga. Fany Pronietz scored both goals (62’, 85’) for the home side.
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After six consecutive wins, the Werkself have hit a rough patch: Bayer 04 lost 3-0 away to TSG Hoffenheim. Andrej Kramaric put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot (79'), with Alexander Prass and Max Moerstedt adding to the tally shortly before full-time (89’/90+5’). After ten matches under Carles Martínez, with the Black and Reds always scoring at least twice, Leverkusen failed to find the net for the first time.
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The Werkself still have a score to settle with TSG Hoffenheim: Bayer 04 lost both matches against the Kraichgau side last term – after the Black and Reds had won all the previous five encounters. Leverkusen are currently on a roll and looking to kick off a new winning streak against TSG in Sinsheim on Sunday 25 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET), and Patrik Schick is keen to continue his current run of form. However, it will not be easy, as coach Christian Ilzer’s team have also gained confidence recently. Today’s matchday news.
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