
"Coaches are important points of reference and key figures for talented youngsters making their way in professional football. I see the potential in Patrick to bring on youth players and to give us a boost in this area," said the director of the Bayer 04 Academy, Helmut Jungheim.
Bayer 04 sporting manager Jonas Boldt also emphasised the great advantages for Helmes in his new job given he is a former player. "Patrick has worked hard over the past few years on getting his coaching badges. As the holder of an A licence, he has the necessary experience and becoming a coach is the final step for him. But, of course, having been a German professional footballer also stands us in good stead," declared Boldt. "Patrick was an international player and an outstanding Bundesliga striker. Being able to engage a thoroughbred player like him in our youth section is worth a lot to us," added Boldt. "Patrick has the ideal prerequisites to become a great coach. We're all very much looking forward to working with him and we are sure it will very positive."
For the former pro, the return to Leverkusen represents "a great opportunity. Bayer 04 are a top club in Germany looking to be even more professional than before about youth development," declared Helmes. "On top of that, it will help the club bring through more homegrown players and it is an exciting and important job," added Helmes. "I'm excited about the next few years. It's great to be back to help develop the future of the club."


Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed 16-year-old midfield prospect Gabriel Minutillo on a long-term contract. The Germany youth international will play for the U19s this season.
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Bayer 04 preparations for the 2026/27 season are in full swing, with the first friendly now under their belts. Although there are still around seven weeks to go until the first Bundesliga home game in early September, there is already huge anticipation for the start of competitive action for head coach Carles Martínez’s team at the BayArena. For the Bundesliga home matches of the new season, here is the latest information regarding the first phase of single-match ticket sales. The tried-and-tested early-bird phase remains in place. From 23 to 31 July, tickets for matches will go on sale on weekdays; the early-bird phase ends on 5 August at the latest – provided tickets are still available by then.
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Like last year, Bayer 04 Women held their summer training camp in Rieden. Coach Roberto Pätzold gives his assessment of the time in the Upper Palatinate, discusses the integration of the 11 new players and the unusual team building measures, gives his thoughts on the friendly and looks ahead to the start of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga season in August.
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Just in time for the start of the summer holidays in North Rhine-Westphalia, the Werkself will hold another open training session on Tuesday 21 July. The session at the BayArena is scheduled to start at 11:00 CEST and will again be available to watch in a live stream. The fans who are there can look forward to a very special surprise.
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Bayer 04 Women rounded off their one-week training camp in the Upper Palatinate with their second friendly win of pre-season. Coach Roberto Pätzold's side beat Czech top-flight outfit Slovan Liberec 6-0 in a match consisting of 4 x 30 minutes. Maja Sternad (8'), Caroline Kehrer (55'), Natasha Kowalski (67', 84') with two direct free kicks, Valentina Mädl (97') and Justine Brandau (107') scored the goals for Leverkusen at 1.FC Rieden's Fenstertechnik-Weinfurtner-Arena.
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