"Matej Kovar is big, strong in one-on-ones and is very good with his feet," said Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04 sporting managing director, in describing the qualities of the Czech keeper. "He's a player with great prospects and we have high hopes for him in the coming years."
Kovar made 32 appearances as the number one keeper at Sparta Prague last season and he kept a clean sheet 11 times. Before his move to Germany, he had detailed discussions with his Czech fellow countrymen, the former Leverkusen player Michal Kadlec. "Michal not only told me all about the Bundesliga but also Bayer 04 Leverkusen in particular," said the goalkeeper. "He described the club to me in glowing detail. I'm very excited about the quality of this team. From what I've seen so far, I can hardly wait for the next few years."
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
Show more
Bayer 04 are away to third-division club SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal. That was the outcome of the draw on Saturday night, 6 June, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The Werkself first round tie will be played between 21 and 24 August. The exact date has yet to be finalised.
Show more
Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
Show more
New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
Show more
