
"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."


It was a disappointing Saturday night. The Werkself lost 4-1 to VfB Stuttgart to start the new year on Bundesliga matchday 16 in 2025/26, a result that left both players and fans disappointed. "We played without any passion," said Alejandro Grimaldo honestly afterwards. Teammate Jarell Quansah was even more self-critical, emphasising: "We were miles off it in the first half. You can't put in a performance like that, especially in front of our own fans and I can only apologise to them, to be honest." Read on for the reaction, facts and stats from the clash with VfB Stuttgart in the Werkself review.
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Women’s team forward Paulina Bartz is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen to play for Hamburg SV until the end of the season. The 20-year-old, whose contract runs to 2027, joins the Bundesliga newcomers on loan until the summer.
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Jarell Quansah and Alejandro Grimaldo speak to Werkself-TV following Bayer 04's 4-1 defeat to VfB Stuttgart on Bundesliga Matchday 16...
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Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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