"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.
Bosnia 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.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.
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