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.
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"
Bayer 04 player Carlotta Wamser is part of a VIP group joining together for the launch of the DFB campaign Punktespiel 2.0. The Germany international, who signed for the Werkself in the summer, will be speaking tonight (Monday) alongside former Leverkusen managing director sport Rudi Völler, now the current DFB sporting director, plus DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and DFB vice-president Peter Frymuth at the FC Grenzwacht Hürtgen club house about the new clubs campaign launched by the German Football Association (DFB).
Show moreThe Werkself are away to FC St. Pauli on Matchday 5 in the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign. The game at the Millerntor Stadion will be played on Saturday, 27 September with the kick-off at 15:30 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreWerkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 1-2 loss against TSG Hoffenheim on the 1st matchday of the Bundesliga 2025/26...
The 2025/26 Bundesliga season begins for the Werkself with a home game against Hoffenheim on Saturday. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 1 fixture at the BayArena.
Show moreEdmond Tapsoba is one of the pillars of the Bayer 04 team. The defender is now in his seventh season with the Werkself and taking on a new role as a leader on and off the pitch. Talking to Werkself Magazine, the 26-year-old Burkina Faso international explains the increased demands placed on his position within the team, his role as a “big brother” and why the squad’s overhaul is an opportunity for him and the team.
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