It’s a special relationship developed over decades: Bayer 04 is an attractive choice for players born on the other side of the Atlantic – who have helped to shape the club and make it successful. In particular, the "Bayer Brazilians" have become an identifiable group with 23 players having come to Leverkusen from the biggest country in South America – and many of them developed here into world stars and World Cup winners. It's a unique number in the Bundesliga with FC Bayern, for example, 'only' having had 13 Brazilian players to date.
Wendell and Paulinho are the two Brazilians in the current squad. In addition, there is the Chilean captain Charles Aránguiz, the two Argentinians Lucas Alario and Exequiel Palacios, the unfortunately long-term absentee from Colombia Santiago Arias plus the Jamaican Leon Bailey who make up the American contingent at the Werkself. They are all Americans, even if that concept in Germany and Europe is mostly erroneously used solely for inhabitants of the USA – which is often met with a clearly visible rolling of the eyes in South and Central America. "We all live on the American continent and are all Americans," is often heard then.
There is great solidarity amongst theses players – as has already been seen this season. When Arias was playing for Colombia and suffered a broken leg and torn ligaments in his left ankle, there was a huge wave of sympathy. Alario, scorer of the winner in the 1-0 victory at Mainz, spoke on behalf of the whole team after the win against FSV: "We've won this game for Santi. It was a heavy blow for him but also for the whole team. Hopefully that helps him on the long way back. We're all crossing our fingers."
Arias, who is expected to be sidelined for around six months, was moved by the emotional message from his teammates who had only played alongside wants in the Bundesliga before that. "What's coming will be tough. Bayer 04 have given me lots of support, shown me that I'm important and that gives me strength. I promise I'll work hard to come back soon and stronger to wear the colours of Colombia and my club Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Thank you." The right-back, on loan from Atletico Madrid, underwent an operation in the Spanish capital with eleven screws being put into his leg. A serious operation.
In Charles Aránguiz, Arias has a perfect contact at Bayer 04 – and not just because of speaking the same language. The Chilean also had a tough time after signing for Bayer 04, having to battle with an Achilles injury before rediscovering his old form and this season he became captain of the Werkself.
It's one of the many success stories written by Americans in Leverkusen – and the fans can look forward to many more.
This article comes from the Werks11 Magazine #28. The latest edition was posted out to Bayer 04 Club members last week and it will appear on Bayer04.de in the coming days.
New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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