Werner Wenning, chairman of the Bayer 04 shareholders committee, sees the signing of the new contract by the World Cup and European Championship winner as “an impressive sign for our club. Xabi Alonso stabilised the team in a difficult phase and put us back on track. Now we want to take the next steps in the development of our team with confidence, in unison and with the necessary focus.”
Fernando Carro, CEO: “The meticulous, analytical and self-assured approach from Xabi is really good for us as Bayer 04. At the same time, he has an outstanding environment here with us and in the Bundesliga where he can further build his profile as a still young coach. Both sides are very ambitious. the mutual commitment to each other also contains the clear target of achieving something for this club together.”
Sporting managing director Simon Rolfes: “Bringing in Xabi last October did attract a lot of approval but also scepticism at the same time. We were in a difficult situation and saw in Xabi a world star but also an inexperienced coach who had not yet been in charge of a top team. Nevertheless, I was convinced of his ability from the start and Xabi was convinced of the quality of our squad. We overcame resistance together and created the best of all perspectives for Bayer 04. The current contract extension is an expression of great appreciation and mutual trust.”
The Spanish coach underlined the good relationship: “I’m very grateful for the confidence Bayer 04 have shown in me. The fact we are convinced of the same ideas and direction on the pitch, creates close affinity and confidence between the club management and myself,” said Xabi Alonso. “There is also a very good and relaxed working basis day-to-day. That too makes working with my staff and all Bayer 04 employees great fun. I see last season as a positive. But I want more, exactly as the club does. We are now working on that with ambition.”
The reigning UCL champions visit the BayArena. The Werkself host Paris Saint-Germain on Matchday 3 of the league phase in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign tonight, 21 October (kick-off: 21:00 CEST/live on Prime Video and Werkself Radio). Bayer 04 will face a team packed with top stars. Fans must be prepared for delays and diversions when travelling to and from the match. Read on for the latest updates in our UCL matchday news.
Show moreThe Werkself host Paris Saint-Germain on the third matchday of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 21 October (kick-off: 21:00 CEST) in what promises to be a thrilling encounter at the BayArena. Ahead of the clash against the reigning champions from the French capital, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the positive development of his team and the great qualities of PSG. Defender Loïc Badé spoke about the great motivation for the match against the top team from his home country.
Show moreWith two wins against Atalanta and Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain have made a perfect start to the league phase of the UEFA Champions League. The defending champions visit the BayArena on Tuesday, 21 October (kick-off: 21:00 CEST). The Werkself will have their work cut out for them on Matchday 3. PSG's attacking line-up is one of the best that European club football has to offer. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 U19s got their UEFA Youth League campaign off to a flying start with two wins. After the successful duels with FC Copenhagen (2-0) and PSV Eindhoven (3-2), the top team from Paris Saint-Germain now awaits. The home game against the youngsters of the reigning Champions League winners on Tuesday, 21 October (kick-off: 14:00 CEST/livestream on bayer04.de and on the Bayer 04 app), at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium will be a challenge, not least due to several players missing from the Werkself squad - but one that head coach Kevin Brok and his team are happy to accept: "We want to get the maximum out of every game, this time too!"
Show moreAfter a flawless tournament with only victories in the group and knockout stages, Argentina narrowly missed out on the title at the U20 World Cup in Chile. In the final on Monday night, Bayer 04 player Alejo Sarco and his fellow countrymen lost 2-0 to Morocco. Both goals were scored in the first half of the match played in Santiago de Chile. Sarco played for the first 60 minutes.
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