Driving a Formula One car, being on the plate of a steam engine, jumping into a fire engine or setting off into space in a rocket: A lot of lads dream of such things. But not Michael Schade.
The 65-year-old grew up at a sports ground in Solingen. As his father, Herbert, a successful athlete in the 1950s, went on to work for the council, the Schade family moved into service accommodation at the Schanerg sports ground that now nears the name of Schade senior. His son Michael admitted to playing in the two biggest 'sandboxes' in Solingen – the long and high jump pits – and he was fascinated by agricultural machinery used to look after the facilities. "There was no tartan track back then. The track was made of cinder. And the base was worked on with a roller. I was able to drive it when I was a child. That was the bees' knees for me, " recalled Michael Schade.
Those thoughts must have often crossed his mind when he looked out of the window at work. His office had a majestic view of the BayArena pitch. He was regularly able to observe how the head groundsman Georg Schmitz and his team manicured the 2017/18 Pitch of the Year. "I'd like to sit on a ride-on mower like that." As soon as Schade expressed his desire, his office manager pricked up her ears. She had a word with the groundsman who turned up at the CEO's office this week. "Now it's time to cut the grass," came the call from Georg Schmitz, which Michael Schade was happy to follow. He climbed onto a front mower and rode over the number one training pitch. "It felt great," said Schade who was not completely happy with the results. "I'd like to put it this way: The outcome was a rather creative pattern."
Calling all Bayer 04 fans: The Werkself will play Pisa SC, newly promoted to Serie A, at the BayArena as part of the season opener. The clash with the club from Tuscany is on Tuesday, 5 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CET. Entrance to the stadium with a wide range of entertainment provided is possible from 15:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales for the season opener.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the 17-year-old forward Dustin Buck. The Germany youth international joins from the youth set-up at FC Augsburg. The technically gifted and fast attacker will strengthen the Werkself U19 squad.
Show moreA new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreThe Werkself will welcome Serie A newcomers Pisa SC to the BayArena for a friendly on Tuesday, 5 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST / stadium opens: 15:00) as part of the season opener celebrations. Bayer 04 will offer fans a lively and varied supporting programme on the stadium concourse. Ahead of kick-off, both the men's and women's senior squads will be introduced on the pitch.
Show moreBosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
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