Some 100 fans took up the invitation from Bayer 04 and came to the Hotel Tauern Spa in Zell am See-Kaprun. Meinolf Sprink, director of fans/community, greeted the fans on the terrace of the restaurant. "Welcome! We are very happy that we can finally meet here again and talk to each other after the enforced break due to the coronavirus pandemic," said the 63-year-old.
That was followed by a Q & A session with Simon Rolfes. The honorary captain and current sporting managing director was enthusiastic about the past few days in Salzburger Land: "We not only have great weather but also a fantastic atmosphere – both in the team and with the coaching staff as well as with the fans." The 40-year-old went on to answer questions on the squad and he also provided a brief preview of the forthcoming Champions League campaign.
The players and fans met up for a group photo at the Alois Latini Stadium on Tuesday, and today there was the traditional kickabout between Bayer 04 staff and fans ahead of the meeting with the fans. The Werkself team included Simon Rolfes, honorary captain Stefan Kießling and team liaison manager Hans-Peter Lehnhoff.
All the players were exhausted but clearly happy after two 20-minute halves. "Of course, I'm happy that we were able to win the game again this year," said Rolfes with a wink of the eye when he spoke to the fans later on.
From special edition jerseys to fan banners, the home game against Mainz 05 was all about the many Bayer 04 fan clubs. Accordingly, a fitting tribute to the long-standing Werkself supporters was not to be missed during half-time in the Bundesliga match. Fernando Carro, CEO, honoured the up to 50-year anniversaries of six fan clubs in front of the coaches' benches at the BayArena.
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There’s lots going on at the BayArena today. The home game against FSV Mainz 05 is all about the numerous Bayer 04 fan clubs, whose birth - the founding of the "1. Fanclub 1976 Leverkusen" - dates back 50 years. A number of fan club representatives will be involved in awards, a banner display and a half-time matchday chat, and the Werkself are set to play in a special white fan club jersey. During half-time, Leverkusen mayor Stefan Hebbel and javelin world champion Steffi Nerius will also talk about the Olympic bid involving Leverkusen. Black and Red fans are advised to get to the stadium in good time today. Matchday news.
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The Werkself host Premier League club Arsenal in the Round of 16 first leg in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. The match at the BayArena is on 10/11 March. Read on for information on ticket sales for this fixture.
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The draw for the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 was made today, Friday 27 February: Bayer 04 face Premier League leaders Arsenal. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes sees the English team as a "top opponent" and is looking forward to meeting former Werkself players Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie again.
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After three consecutive victories, FSV Mainz 05 recently suffered setbacks against Borussia Dortmund (0-4) and Hamburger SV (1-1) in the battle to stay up. Nevertheless, the Mainz 05 performance curve has shown a clear upward trend in recent weeks. Their coach and a former Leverkusen player in particular have played a decisive role in this. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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