"Records don't interest me" – Patrik Schick, the most successful foreign striker in the club's history, talks about his outstanding season in a big interview: "Before the season, I set out to become unconditionally more effective in future. Everything I do on the pitch should make a contribution to the team. On top of that, I try to take a more simple approach to playing with just one or two touches of the ball and less dribbling. I'm basically trying to make my game quicker." The 26-year-old Czech also speaks about his targets with Bayer 04 and reveals some private insights.
Piero Hincapie has been extremely effective this season. The Ecuador international, signed by Bayer 04 in the late summer of 2021, has adjusted to the Bundesliga incredibly quickly and established himself straight away. In the Werkself Magazine, the 20-year-old talks about his route from Ecuador via Argentina to Leverkusen, the meaning of his surname and qualifying for the World Cup by the end of March.
The editors, together with five former colleagues, look at the unique contribution of Rudi Völler at Leverkusen. From beginning as a player in the middle of the 1990s, through his time as coach to his role as the sporting managing director. Peter Hermann, Reiner Calmund, Michael Ballack, Wolfgang Holzhäuser and Karl-Heinz Rummenigge all contribute. And, of course, the #RoadtoGlasgow story cannot be missed out: This edition covers the unforgettable Champions League games against Liverpool and Manchester United in early 2002.
There is also much more entertaining reading material such as a profile of Bayer 04 Women's player Verena Wieder and the two stadium announcers Petra Dahl and Tobias Ufer. Under the heading 'With the cross on their chests', Arne Larsen Ökland takes centre stage as the first Bundesliga striker and crowd favourite at Bayer 04.
You can also catch up with all previous Werkself Magazines at bayer04.de from edition one in the 2015/16 season.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with U19 midfielder Jonah Berghoff ahead of schedule. The Germany U18 international has signed professional terms with the club to 30 June 2030.
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With sixth place at the end of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, Bayer 04 ended a season in the top third of the table for the ninth time in a row. While the Werkself were narrowly eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by eventual finalists Arsenal, the Black and Reds reached the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third season in succession. As in previous years, you once again have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app up to and including 11 June.
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With 46 points in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Bayer 04 Women’s team once again broke the previous season's club record and ended up in fifth place - 15 wins is also a record. As in previous years, you now have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is open exclusively to Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app by 11 June.
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The guests at the Scala Club in Leverkusen were amazed when host Reiner Calmund suddenly brought the Managing Director of Sport at Bayer 04, Simon Rolfes, and record Werkself appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn onto the stage. As part of the show "An Evening with Football & Friends", organised by long-serving Bayer 04 managing director and general manager Calmund, the two surprise guests drew plenty of applause - and provided great entertainment in exciting conversations about the past and future.
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