Sporting managing director Rudi Völler, who will move on to the shareholders committee at Bayer 04 after the end of the season, said to Bild am Sonntag: "We are definitely finishing third. It's a great success given the difficult situation with lots of injuries. It's a great way to finish – for me too, of course."
Sporting director Simon Rolfes, who takes over the post of sporting managing director from Rudi Völler in the summer: "We've got a team with great potential and we had to be in the Champions League. Everybody has worked and battled hard for that. I'm very proud of each and every one!"
Head coach Gerardo Seoane, who has succeeded in qualifying for the Champions League in his first year as a head coach in the Bundesliga: "We are also very happy for Rudi that we are able to give him a worthy conclusion. We played in bottom gear in the first half. The second half was sensational. We were much more direct going forwards."
Captain Lukas Hradecky: "We've scored more than seventy goals and more than deserve to be in the Champions League. The mentality shown by the team today is impressive. There's something happening here. The captain is proud!"
Key defender Jonathan Tah, who has played under the Bayer Cross for seven years: "We're losing a lot of pressure. It was a season with highs and lows. But we've come through all of that as a team and today we deservedly won in the end."
In addition to former Leverkusen players like Benjamin Henrichs (now at RB Leipzig), Emrehan Gedikli (Trabzonspor) and Sami Hyypiä, Erik Meijer also shared praise via social media. The Dutchman played for the Werkself from 1996 to 1999 and is now working as a Champions League pundit for the pay-TV broadcaster Sky: "Congratulations to everybody. They really deserve it. Great attacking football that everyone wants to watch..."
There were also congratulations from TSV Bayer 04 and the Bayer Giants Leverkusen – and they got in the mood with the Champions League anthem that will again be heard at the BayArena next season: “The Champioooooons…” A similar approach was taken by Kickers Offenbach, who have had a friendship with Bayer 04 for over 40 years: "Congratulations on Champions League qualification and a great 4-2 away win #BayerundderOFC.“
Lucas Alario and Paulinho hit the nail on the head: "Target achieved." That also pleased youngster Iker Bravo: “Yesssssss! Great team, I'm so proud!” There was also recognition from Turkey: “Well done, lads,” praised Joel Pohjanpalo. And Moussa Diaby is already looking forwards: “Champions League – we’re coming!”
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreA new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreThe Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
Show moreBosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
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