Leverkusen coach Peter Bosz did watch yesterday's performance of the Green and Whites in the Europa League and drew the conclusion: "There are two sides to Wolfsburg this season." Probably true: The Wolves were 1-0 up at half-time against KAA Gent thanks to a goal from Joao Victor (20'). However, the game ended in a 3-1 defeat and is the third pointless match for VfL in succession. "This match partly reflected their season to date: They did not lose at the start, scored a lot of goals and conceded few," said Bosz at the pre-match press conference. "Let's see what they do on Sunday. But it's more important to me what we do – I can influence that."
Trust and confidence, according to the 55-year-old, are always evident even if the results "weren't right". "Of course, the victory against Atletico is a turning point in terms of the result," emphasised the Dutchman who has almost a full squad to choose from two days ahead of the clash in the motor city. The exception is the injured captain Lars Bender. Bosz said: "I don't believe he'll play. But we've still got two days."
An interesting point: Bosz won his first Bundesliga away game with Borussia Dortmund and his first away game with the Werkself at Wolfsburg by a 3-0 margin. Bosz: "Of course, it would be great if that continues on Sunday. But to do that we have to work hard and play well."
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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