
"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 the Bayer 04 women's 3-2 win against RB Leipzig on the 12th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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For the second time in three weeks, Bayer 04 have to face a team that has just changed coach. The Werkself’s overall record against Augsburg and the Bavarians’ poor season so far both point towards a Leverkusen win, but head coach Kasper Hjulmand is still aware of the threat going into Saturday’s Bundesliga encounter (kick-off: 15:30 CET). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 13 fixture at the WWK Arena.
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The groups for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico have been finalised. At the draw in the USA capital Washington D.C., which was hosted by German top model Heidi Klum and others, 48 teams were drawn for the first time. The groups at a glance.
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As part of the joint commitment of Bayer 04 and the City of Leverkusen to volunteering, the annual Volunteer Day took place in the 19nullvier Lounge at the BayArena. Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, Stefan Hebbel, Mayor of the City of Leverkusen, and club representative Stefan Kießling praised the commitment of the 200 or so volunteers from the region in attendance and thanked them for their impressive efforts.
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