Excitement and anticipation are growing. That can be felt all over Leverkusen – and also seen now. The city is bedecked in the club colours of black and red. A total of 29 flags for the Pokal-#FinaLEV are flying in Leverkusen – they were hoisted at the BayArena this morning. Others will be flown this week from the town hall, on the administration building, on Landrat-Trimborn-Platz, at Schloss Morsbroich as well as in front of the Bayer Erholungshaus and the Bayer AG Casino. Bayer Leverkusen are also providing more colour: Bayer 04 have sent a small fan package to 50,000 households: We look forward to seeing flags in windows, in front gardens and on fences!
Ahead of such an important game, it would be great to send ‘your Werkself’ greetings, messages of encouragement or a shout of ‘come on you lads’ in person. Due to the coronavirus pandemic that unfortunately continues to be impossible. The team led by Peter Bosz are training behind closed doors to avoid any risk of infection. A slight consolation: Cardboard cut out figures of the Werkself stars are distributed all over the city – life size, to touch and photograph.
Sven Bender knows how to win cup finals – he twice lifted the trophy with Borussia Dortmund (2011/12 & 2016/17). Nevertheless: “A final is always special. It’s a great game that you don’t play in very often,” said the 31-year-old today said at a press conference. “Every final I’ve experienced was somehow different, ” added the defender. This time is even more unusual: “It will be a completely different final without spectators. But that doesn’t change it being a big match against a big opponent. This title has an extremely high value for the club – it’s a massive opportunity.” The full interview will be available tomorrow on bayer04.de.
After work is ‘Bayer 04 time’! From today, Werkself fans should set time aside every day up to Saturday’s cup final at four minutes past seven in the evening for ‘19:04 – The Show’! We will broadcast cup final information and events on YouTube and Facebook. We will be out on the road all over Leverkusen up to the cup final. Look forward to previous rounds of the cup, interviews with our cup heroes of 1993, on fan activities in our city, reports of preparations for the Werkself, players’ statements and insights behind the scenes.
Tonight (Monday) our presenter Mara Mones reports from Aachen – the venue for the Werkself in the first round of the DFB Cup. We look back at the game against Alemannia and also talk to the cup winner Franco Foda, who played for Bayer 04 from 1990 to 1994. We also take a look round Leverkusen. Tune in!
As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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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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