The journalists from CBS Sports, the New York Times, The Guardian, Associated Press and Transfermarkt as well as representatives of the German Football League (DFL) spoke to Spaniard about his start at Leverkusen and his close connection with the Bundesliga. In addition, Xabi Alonso shared insights into his football philosophy, his way of coaching and communication with the players. The 41-year-old also provided an honest assessment of the change of role from player to coach. There was also great enjoyment when the discussion covered a shared view of tactical matters.
Despite the successful start to the season and being in top spot in the Bundesliga, Xabi Alonso also stressed in the discussion that the previous weeks and months have been demanding and that he has learned a lot since he started as a coach at Bayer 04 in October 2022. The Spaniard was particularly grateful for the great support from the Bayer 04 club management, the shareholders committee led by Werner Wenning, the staff and the fans.
The itinerary for the journalists from the USA and England also included interviews with CEO Fernando Carro and sporting managing director Simon Rolfes plus a tour of the BayArena and a visit to the VAR HQ in Cologne.
Bayer 04 are through to the second round of the DFB Pokal after a 4-0 win at Sonnenhof Großaspach on Friday night. The game was paused after only 18 minutes due to a storm over the ground. After a lengthy delay, play resumed and Patrik Schick opened the scoring. Arthur, Christian Kofane and Alejandro Grimaldo made things more comfortable in the second half, as the fourth-tier side had two players sent off.
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There were no goals across 115 minutes of football between Bayer 04 Women and PSV Eindhoven in Friday’s friendly. Roberto Pätzold’s team played two 45-minute periods before an extra 25 minutes two days prior to heading to Rieden for their training camp. Their Dutch opponents were preparing for their UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifier in 12 days.
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The first round of the DFB Pokal takes Bayer 04 to Sonnenhof Großaspach on Friday. The amateur club have just gained promotion to the fourth-tier Regionalliga Südwest and kicked off their campaign with two impressive wins. Here’s all you need to know as Erik ten Hag makes his competitive bow as Werkself boss at the WIRmachenDRUCK Arena (kick-off: 6pm CEST).
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After two months preparing for the new season, the Werkself play the first game of the 2025/26 campaign on Friday, 15 August (kick-off: 18:00 CEST) away to SG Sonnenhof Großaspach in the first round of the DFB Pokal. Ahead of the tie against the team newly promoted to the Regional League South West, head coach Erik ten Hag talked about his approach to the knockout game and his soft spot for cup competitions.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new Premium Partner in its ranks in Düsseldorf company LumenHaus GmbH. The leading provider of networked home energy solutions has initially agreed a one-year partnership with the Bundesliga runners-up to the end of the 2025/26 season.
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