"Given the current situation in terms of results and after detailed and careful consideration we have reached this painful yet unavoidable decision in the best interests of Bayer 04," declared CEO Michael Schade. "It was very difficult for me to take this step as we have a lot to thank Roger Schmidt for. During his time in charge we have qualified for the Champions League group stage three times. He also implemented the philosophy of our youth policy in exemplary fashion bringing through young players including to international level and thus securing the future development of the club."
Sporting director Rudi Völler also found it difficult to release the head coach. "I believe Roger Schmidt is an absolute top coach and I have always given him my full support. But we have to act now if we are not going to lose touch with our targets," added Völler. "Now it's all about making a new start and finding consistency in our performances. Our team has great quality but unfortunately we have seen far too little of that this season. Following the departure of Roger Schmidt it is down to the players to show they still have that quality."
Assistant coach Remzi Kahraman is leaving the Bayer 04 Women’s team with immediate effect to take up a new challenge abroad. The club has agreed to the 31-year-old’s request to leave, although his contract was originally due to run until 2027. A decision on his successor will be announced shortly.
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At the U19 European Championship in Wales, the Germany U19 national team lost their third and final group match 4-0 to Spain. Several regulars, including Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan to SV Elversberg), who had combined for four goals and assists in the two previous victories, did not feature,. Germany had already secured their place in the semi-finals with a game to spare.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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At the end of June, Bayer 04 became the first team in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga to begin their pre-season preparations. As well as training sessions at the Kurtekotten facility, the players under coach Roberto Pätzold completed the customary series of performance diagnostics. Werkself-TV presents exclusive insights and player interviews from the first few days after the summer break.
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