Numerous friends, acquaintances and contemporaries from national and international football came together on Thursday to bid farewell to legendary coach Christoph Daum. In addition to Rolfes that included the DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, DFB sporting director Rudi Völler, the long-serving Leverkusen managing director Reiner Calmund, Alexander Wehrle (VfB Stuttgart chairman of the board), Werner Wolf (FC Köln president), Michael Meier (former managing director at FC Köln and sporting director at Bayer 04), Pierre Littbarski (1990 World Cup winner), Cem Özdemir (German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture), Ali Koç (Fenerbahce president) and Kaan Şakul (Besiktas general secretary).
There was brilliant sunshine over the stadium punctually for the start of the event at 15.30 CEST. A large canvas in the centre circle depicting Daum lay next to flags of his former clubs Bayer 04, FC Köln and VfB Stuttgart. Many of Daum's contemporaries gave emotional eulogies, DFB president Neuendorf spoke of "one of the most colourful and exciting characters in German football.".
Music was provided by, amongst others, the Höhner, who sang their famous song ‘Gute Fründe’ in German and Turkish, and the Turkish Chamber Orchestra and Choir.
The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').
Show moreContinuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.
Show moreAn average of over 3,500 fans supported the Werkself at away games last season. Looking forward to the 2025/26 season, Bayer 04 now provide information on ticket sales for away games. The previous 0 sales phase is being replaced by the Regulars phase.
Show moreThe German Football League (DFL) has confirmed the details for the first five matchdays in the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. Read on for details of the fixtures.
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