
The match against the Hamburg State Cup winners will be the first competitive match for the Werkself in the coming season. Following the draw, sporting managing director Simon Rolfes talked about an "interesting" draw and at the same time said: "Obviously we will be taking our opponents very seriously particularly looking at our early exit last season. We want to do better this season and go as far as we can."
For Bayer 04 this will be the first competitive match at the stadium in Hamburg, with its capacity of 29,546, since 13 November 2010. Back then the Werkself beat FC St. Pauli 1-0 in the Bundesliga with a late strike from Renato Augusto.

After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Kennet Eichhorn. Bayer 04 have signed the 16-year-old midfielder from Hertha Berlin. Read on to find out more about our new signing.
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