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The slightly built and curly haired player went on to appear for the Germany youth team via the Hessen youth side. Under coach Dietrich Weise, he became a U18 European champion alongside future Bundesliga players such as Michael Zorc, Roland Wohlfarth, Ralf Loose, Thomas Brunner and yours truly. Shortly after the European Championships, he went on to play his first two Bundesliga matches over the full 90 minutes for the team from Hessen as a U19 player and he was on the bench for Eintracht Frankfurt's 3-1 win against FC Kaiserslautern in the DFB Cup.
Falke was rather a small player and he mostly had his socks rolled down round his ankles. He was all over the pitch like that. He intercepted a lot of balls thanks to his anticipation or a long leg, he was often in the right place and stopped a lot through his good positional play. In addition, he had a fine left foot. His technique was impressive. He had an eye for the right moment and he could spot runs but also play a long ball. Falke would be a good addition to any Bundesliga team today and would be a crowd favourite with his non-stop approach on the pitch. He made four international appearances in the 80s but a protracted ankle injury prevented him playing more games for Germany. Other players came to the fore by the time he was fit again.
Ralf Falkenmayer signed for Leverkusen in 1997. He wanted to be higher up the table and not constantly fight relegation as was the case with Eintracht Frankfurt back then. He was also attracted by the UEFA Cup, which Bayer 04 had qualified for again. He played in ten of the twelve matches that led to the UEFA Cup triumph for the Werkself. Falke scored to make it 2-0 in the away game in Rotterdam and he was the first player to take a penalty in the shootout against Espanyol in the final – he missed to the horror of his teammates and the Bayer 04 fans. Falkenmayer returned to Frankfurt in 1989 after a total of 62 appearances for Bayer 04, including a tally of nine goals. The call of his hometown was too loud.
The qualified swimming pool assistant supervisor is not somebody to shout from the rooftops but is instead rather quiet and reserved.
Falke is 60 this month. I wish you many happy returns and perhaps you will find your way back to Leverkusen again someday. Stay healthy and have a good one.
Birthday boy of the month I: Walter Posner
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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