"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."
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen on the 26th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Bayer 04 Women have finished in fifth place after the best Bundesliga season in the club's history in terms of points. Roberto Pätzold's side went down 3-1 at home to SV Werder Bremen on the final matchday. With 46 points and 15 wins, they've bettered the previous record campaign of 2024/25. Despite periods of pressure, Cornelia Kramer's 73rd-minute strike was not enough at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, and the Werkself miss out on European qualification despite a strong end to the season.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed a conract extension with home-grown talent Sofie Zdebel by a further year ahead of schedule. The 21-year-old Germany U23 international will stay at the club until 30 June 2028.
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After the final whistle in the home match against Hamburger SV, it showed once again that the Bayer 04 community sticks together. The team thanked the fans for their great support in a season with highs and lows and a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga. The Black and Reds will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season. The last Werkself review in 2025/26 has all the analysis.
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Bayer 04 could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Hamburg in the final game of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season as they finish in sixth place and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Patrik Schick missed a first-half penalty before Fabio Vieira put the visitors ahead on the hour. Jarell Quansah’s deflected header in the 79th minute earned a point to finish the campaign.
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