Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
In the 1985/86 season under coach Erik Ribbeck, Dirk, now turned into a left-back by second team coach Gerd Kentschke, was given his first opportunity in the senior side in a cup tie at Eintracht Trier. In the first games of the season, none of the left-sided defenders Dieter Bast, Rudi Wojtowicz or Dirk Schlegel were able to impress their coach. Dirk made the most of his chance and he became a regular first choice. He was in the starting line-up to the end of the season with a few exceptions. He scored his only Bundesliga goal for Bayer 04 on matchday 33 in the home game against VfB Stuttgart with the Stuttgart keeper Helmut Roleder not looking good as he netted the equaliser. The game ended in a very important 2-1 home win and with the hard-earned draw at Schalke it secured the first UEFA Cup participation for Bayer 04.
After that season, although it was very successful for Dirk, he decided to move on to the second division by signing for Fortuna Köln. He made 113 appearances and scored one goal the team in the south of Cologne.
He finally hung up his boots after a couple years with our Veterans team and also looking after our youth teams. He still lives in Leverkusen and now turns 60.
Dear Dirk, I wish you many happy returns and stay fit and healthy.
Michael Ballack was born on 26 September 1976 in Görlitz, in what was then East Germany. His talent for football became apparent at an early age. After his family moved to Karl-Marx-Stadt – now Chemnitz – he began playing football for BSG Motor ‘Fritz Heckert’ Karl-Marx-Stadt, where he steadily developed his skills. From Year 7 onwards, he attended the Children’s and Youth Sports School and received systematic sporting support, which, in 1988 – due to his growing skill as a player – led to a move to FC Karl-Marx-Stadt. At the age of 16, he had to take a six-month break due to growth problems, but after that, Michael was unstoppable.
Show more
José Elias Moedim Júnior, known as Zé Elias, was born on 25 September 1976 in São Paulo. He received his football training at Sport Club Corinthians Paulista, or Corinthians for short, and was promoted to the first team at the age of just 17. PSV Eindhoven had already taken notice of him by this stage, but the move to Europe was still too early for him. The tenacious defensive midfielder established himself in the first team over the following three years. With Corinthians, Zé Elias won the São Paulo City Championship and the Brazilian Cup in 1995. With his excellent vision, his determination and his assured ball control, he made a significant contribution to his team’s success.
Show more
In their second season in Bundesliga 2 North, the Werkself face Fortuna Köln at their home ground, the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, on matchday 7. Both teams are level on seven points, sitting eighth and ninth in the table.
Show more
In this video you can see impressive and important goals in the history of Bayer 04 from the month of September. It's not always about the beauty of the goals, but also a reminder of special games and players.
Show more
September gets off to a disastrous start, though not for the Werkself: the German national team, featuring Bayer 04 players Jens Nowotny, Michael Ballack and Oliver Neuville, suffer a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of England in a World Cup qualifier at the Olympic Stadium in Munich. Jens Nowotny, in particular, came in for sharp criticism. With this defeat, Germany’s direct qualification is now hanging in the balance.
Show more
