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 Norway U23 international Julie Jorde has completed the move from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Brøndby IF. The twelve-time champions of Denmark have signed the midfielder on permanent terms after her loan move from the Bundesliga to Denmark in the winter.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the Senegalese central defender Abdoulaye Faye. The 20-year-old joins the Bundesliga side from Swedish top-flight club BK Häcken. Faye has penned a contract at Leverkusen to 30 June 2030.
Show moreThe German Football League (DFL) has published the fixture list for the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign. Bayer 04 start the new season with a home game against TSG Hoffenheim. The first away game for the Werkself is at Werder Bremen. The final Bundesliga fixture is on 16 May 2026 against newly promoted Hamburg SV with a 15:30 CEST kick-off at the BayArena.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have given offensive player Paulina Bartz a long-term contract. The 20-year-old has penned a new deal to 30 June 2027.
Show moreGermany international Florian Wirtz has been voted Bayer 04 ‘Player of the Season’ for the second time in a row. The 21-year-old, who will play for Premier League champions Liverpool next season, received more than half of all votes cast in the annual poll organised by Bayer 04.
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