Verena Hagedorn new coach of Bayer 04 Women

Verena Hagedorn is the new head coach of Bayer 04 Women with immediate effect. The 34-year-old, previously assistant to Germany coach Steffi Jones, takes over from Malte Dresen who was caretaker coach following the departure of Thomas Obliers.

"I had a great time with the Germany women's team and I'm very grateful to have this opportunity now. I just want to spend more time on the pitch which isn't always possible with the national sides," said Hagedorn. "I'm very happy that the DFB and Steffi Jones have supported me as the job offer from Bayer 04 Leverkusen is a great challenge and the work there presents an exciting prospect."

For Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade the appointment of Verena Hagedorn represents an important step in the future development of the Leverkusen Women's Bundesliga team: "We are very happy and pleased that we have been able to attract such a renowned and innovative DFB coach for our team," said Schade. "Together with Malte Dresen, who I'd like to thank very much for acting as caretaker coach, Verena Hagedorn will now work all out to achieve our targets of the season."

The 34-year-old Hagedorn joined the DFB Women coaches, that also includes Markus Högner, under Steffi Jones in September 2016. "It's a pity we are losing Verena as she brought a lot to us. But we didn't want to stand in a way and I'm convinced she will do brilliantly in her work at Bayer 04 Leverkusen," said Germany coach Jones.

Hagedorn said her farewells to the Germany women's squad on Tuesday who are currently preparing for their international against Canada to be played on Sunday (from 15.00 CET live on ZDF) in Erfurt.