This is the fifth Bundesliga Pitch of the Year award. The assessment was made by a three-person panel of experts consisting of members of the German Pitch Society (DRG e.V.) based on the three elements of the 'sport assessment system', 'panel assessment of measured data and grading' and on-site evaluation by the panel. The sport assessment system involves the captains of both clubs and the referee giving their verdict on the condition of the pitch after every match in the top two divisions of the Bundesliga on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). The rankings are calculated by the total of the average ratings.
The award is based on the expectation the pitches in the professional leagues will look good and play perfectly over the course of the season. The playing surface is used at all times of year and in all weathers so it requires proper care. In addition, the conditions have to be provided to play a normal game. That places the highest demands on the quality criteria for the pitch.
The ground staff at Bayer 04 are led by the head groundsman Georg Schmitz.
The award will be presented at the eleventh Information Meeting for Ground Staff on 9 September.
It will be a historic and very special moment in front of a full house at the BayArena when the Werkself are presented with the first Meisterschale in the club’s history after the final whistle on the last Bundesliga matchday of the season against FC Augsburg. The fixture is on Saturday, 18 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST/live on Sky and on Werkself Radio). Ahead of the clash with tenth-placed FCA, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the trophy presentation as well as the possibility of being the first team to go a whole season unbeaten in the Bundesliga.
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In the final match of the season for Bayer 04 on Saturday 18 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), FC Augsburg still have something to play for despite a recent run of defeats. FCA could secure a place in European competition next term with a shock victory away to the champions of Germany and with help from elsewhere. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04’s Alejandro Grimaldo has been voted the Bundesliga’s Player of the Month for April 2024. It’s the 28-year-old’s first title of this season, having been nominated six times previously during his maiden campaign in Germany.
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Werkself player Florian Wirtz has been called up to the Germany squad for Euro 2024. For the 21-year-old midfielder with the champions of Germany, it will be the first time he has appeared in a major international tournament.
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