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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
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.
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