Back
27.05.2022Bayer 04

#DankeRudi – Holzhäuser: ‘He was my best signing’

He is the face of Bayer 04 and he has shaped the club like almost no one else: Rudi Völler became part of the Bayer 04 family 28 years ago. The 62-year-old is leaving the management board to become a member of the shareholders committee from 1 July – and he will continue to represent Bayer 04 as an ambassador in the world of football. Following on from Peter Hermann, Reiner Calmund and Michael Ballack, the next colleague describes Rudi Völler’s achievements for the Werkself and his significance to Bayer 04.
crop_2005-01-18_Rudi_Voeller_wird_Sportdirektor_mit_Geschaeftsfuehrer_Wolfgang_Holzhaeuser.jpg

Wolfgang Holzhäuser, Bayer 04 CEO from 1998 to 2013, looks at the phase when Rudi Völler took over the role as sporting director after four years working for the DFB that saw him take Germany to the 2002 World Cup final as head coach:

"Our almost ten-year association began in 2004. Reiner Calmund left in the spring of that year – and it was clear to me: Rudi Völler would be the sporting director with the charisma and the right pedigree to suit Bayer 04 down to the ground.

When I watched his last match as the national coach against the Czech Republic at the 2004 European Championships from the stands it was clear to me: If Rudi Völler really gives up as national coach then we have to get him back to Leverkusen. I was convinced we definitely needed a sporting director of the classic mould. We reached agreement and Rudi came back to us after a four-year break as the national coach.

20090502_S04_B04_002.jpg
At Schalke: Wolfgang Holzhäuser with Rudi Völler at the away game against the Royal Blues in May 2009 in the stands at the Veltins Arena.

That was possibly my best signing. Rudi gave us an unmistakable identity on the sporting front. He initiated and shaped a lot of transfers – and was also happy to get involved in negotiations if the other side needed convincing. Rudi is incredibly empathetic and is very good at understanding the feelings of other people and reacting accordingly. And whenever he had a go at referees or others in his impulsive way then he was usually sorry for that half an hour later. He apologised as he also always looks for harmony.

I've rarely met anybody who is as friendly as Rudi Völler We rarely disagreed with each other; and if that did happen then we always found a joint solution. Being loyal is one of his great strengths. Rudi also accepted responsibility for decisions, which he wasn't completely convinced about. We also never needed a note on the files about things we discussed. He always stuck to his word even if there was resistance from other quarters.

And of course: Rudi is simply a perfect master of the art of representation. His personal presence and the affection he shows to all other people whether that's the Federal Chancellor or a cleaner will make him a wonderful ambassador for Bayer 04."

#DankeRudi – Part III: Ballack: ‘Rudi knew exactly what made players tick’

#DankeRudi – Part II: Calmund: "Where would Bayer 04 be without Rudi Völler?”

#DankeRudi – Part I: Hermann: "A slick operator full of ambition"

Related News

Julie Jorde
Women - 28.06.2025

Julie Jorde makes permanent move to Brøndby IF

The Norway U23 international Julie Jorde has completed the move from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Brøndby IF. The twelve-time champions of Denmark have signed the midfielder on permanent terms after her loan move from the Bundesliga to Denmark in the winter.

Show more
Faye und Falkenberg
Bayer 04 - 27.06.2025

Bayer 04 sign Senegalese central defender Faye

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the Senegalese central defender Abdoulaye Faye. The 20-year-old joins the Bundesliga side from Swedish top-flight club BK Häcken. Faye has penned a contract at Leverkusen to 30 June 2030.

Show more
Bundesliga-Spielplan
Bundesliga - 27.06.2025

Bundesliga fixtures 2025/26: Werkself host Hoffenheim in opener

The German Football League (DFL) has published the fixture list for the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign. Bayer 04 start the new season with a home game against TSG Hoffenheim. The first away game for the Werkself is at Werder Bremen. The final Bundesliga fixture is on 16 May 2026 against newly promoted Hamburg SV with a 15:30 CEST kick-off at the BayArena.

Show more
Paulina Bartz
Women - 27.06.2025

Bayer 04 agree new deal with Paulina Bartz

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have given offensive player Paulina Bartz a long-term contract. The 20-year-old has penned a new deal to 30 June 2027.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 26.06.2025

Wirtz voted Bayer 04 ‘Player of the Season’ for 2024/25

Germany international Florian Wirtz has been voted Bayer 04 ‘Player of the Season’ for the second time in a row. The 21-year-old, who will play for Premier League champions Liverpool next season, received more than half of all votes cast in the annual poll organised by Bayer 04.

Show more