…the busy fixture list in the past and coming months: Everything has lacked rhythm over the past few weeks and it hasn't always been easy mentally. Now we have to focus completely on the next task. And that's the Europa League. We have to look at this competition on its own separated from what's happened and what's coming next.
…the target in Europa League: It's about winning a title. The hunger is there, the passion is there. We want to play ourselves in and develop over the games so that we can perhaps get through to another final this season. But first of all there's a challenge against Glasgow (Rangers) and we want to come out on top in that game.
…the international competition, which is partly still involved in league matches up to August and will go into the Europa League after several double fixture weeks: It can be an advantage to be on a run of games. But it can also be an advantage to have had two weeks holiday. We'll see. We see the opportunity to recover as an advantage to us. The break was important and we needed it. And now we are preparing as best as possible for the coming challenges.
…the coming season with a lot more double-fixture weeks in view of his history of injuries: Unfortunately it hit me again this season. That's why I don't want to look too far into the future. We are facing a tough programme – as is everybody. I'm trying to strengthen myself through the games in the Europa League so that I can go into the coming season with a good feeling. There's also a short timescale with this. So you don't really know how far into the future you should look. The best thing is to take it week by week.
…the transfer rumours surrounding Kai Havertz: It was clear to all of us that the speculation about Kai would increase over the course of the season. At the moment, it is the case that he’ll play for us in the Europa League and I assume he'll put in good performances again. There are definitely discussions with different clubs and perhaps he's already made a decision. But that's not the end of the matter. It hasn't changed anything for us players: He's part of our team and we are glad to have him.
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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