"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.
The highly successful and mutually appreciated partnership between Bayer 04 and head coach Xabi Alonso ends after two and a half years. The 43-year-old Spaniard has led the Werkself to three trophies. Above all, winning the first German league title in the club's history will always be associated with the name of Xabi Alonso. The former world class player, who won many hearts in Leverkusen as a person, now says farewell to Bayer 04. We look back at a fantastic time with the Basque who fulfilled the biggest dream of all Bayer 04 fans together with an outstanding team.
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A few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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A cracker of a semi-final at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The Bayer 04 U19 team entertain Bayern Munich on Saturday, 10 May (kick-off: 11:00 CEST/stadium opens: 10:00 CEST). In front of a home crowd, the team led by head coach Sergi Runge, who welcomes back an attacking player, is looking to build on the battling performances from the previous knockout games and "perform at the right moment." Tickets are available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the game will also be broadcast live on Sky.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will be the first Bundesliga club to open and operate a football academy in Brazil. The "Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo," led by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sérgio, will be established on the Bayer Brazil campus in São Paulo and accommodate up to 300 children and youth ages 5 to 15.
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