Back
14.05.2018Bayer 04

Michael Schade: 'Our fans are top class'

Bundesliga season number 55 is over, Bayer 04 finish fifth in the table and are back in European competition next term. Following the 3-2 win against Hannover 96 on the final matchday, CEO Michael Schade thanks the fans for their support and a very emotional end to to the season:
Kiessling_Choreo_Fans_1_20180512.jpg

Dear Bayer 04 fans,

Although there was great disappointment after the 3-2 home win against Hannover 96 at just missing out on our objective of qualifying for the Champions League, most visitors to the stadium will remember that afternoon for ever. It was one of the most emotional and memorable in the history of the BayArena.

What the Bayer 04 fans produced on the day was fantastic and simply top class: From the gigantic choreography and the atmosphere throughout the game to the tributes, gifts, interviews and loud applause for Stefan Kießling after the game! A sensational production from our most loyal supporters.  

On behalf of Bayer 04 Leverkusen, I would like to thank everybody, from the bottom of my heart, who was involved in the planning, preparation and realisation of this great afternoon. We really value this support. Our supporters have laid down a marker observed nationwide which has attracted great recognition. It was a fantastic finish to a good season overall that has further strengthened and helped Bayer 04. At the same time, we have once again really learned to value the importance of our fans and their commitment to the club.

I wish all Werkself supporters a relaxed summer break. Let's look forward to next season with the return of European football. We will do all we can to strengthen and develop this young and highly talented team.

Best regards

Michael Schade, CEO

Related News

Kurzpässe vor #FCHB04
Bundesliga - 21.03.2026

Matchday news #FCHB04: Perfect record against bottom side Heidenheim

Bayer 04 have fond memories of their encounters with Heidenheim, including a resounding 6-0 win in the reverse fixture. Kasper Hjulmand’s side would very much like to produce a similarly clinical display as they now head to the Voith-Arena for Matchday 27 on Saturday (15:30 CET). But they come up against a team fighting for their Bundesliga lives at the bottom of the table, 10 points adrift of safety with time running out. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.

Show more
Vanessa Fudalla, Claudia Wenger und Vanessa Haim
Women - 20.03.2026

‘Start a run’: Women welcome bottom-placed Jena - special edition ‘50 years of fan clubs’ jersey

The Bayer 04 Women welcome FC Carl Zeiss Jena to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Sunday night in a white retro look - and in a unique Bayer 04 ‘50 Years of Fan Clubs’ special edition jersey. In sporting terms, head coach Roberto Pätzold's team will face the Bundesliga's bottom team at 18:30 CET looking to keep their chances of third place in the table alive with six games left to play.

Show more
Die PK vor dem Auswärtsspiel beim 1. FC Heidenheim 1846 | 27. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 20.03.2026

Hjulmand ahead of #FCHB04: ‘We want to go into the international break feeling good’

Bayer 04 return to Bundesliga action this weekend. Following their elimination in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League, the Werkself are away to FC Heidenheim 1846 on Saturday, 21 March (kick-off: 15:30 CET) on Bundesliga matchday 27. Ahead of the clash in the eastern Swabian Alps, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the importance of the fixture and the chances of qualifying for the Champions League next term.

Show more
1. FC Heidenheim
Bundesliga - 20.03.2026

Our next opponents: Will staying up become a mission impossible?

A quick look at the table shows the situation at FC Heidenheim is serious. The Bundesliga bottom club are already ten points behind the play-off spot with their backs to the wall in sporting terms. With eight games left to play, avoiding relegation appears to be a mission impossible. Nevertheless, they are far from flying the white flag at the Schlossberg ahead of the clash with the Werkself this Saturday, 21 March (kick-off: 15:30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Caroline Kehrer
Women - 19.03.2026

Bayer 04 Women: Caroline Kehrer and Amy Wrigge sidelined

Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without the two strikers in the immediate future. Caroline Kehrer suffered a torn ligament in her right knee and Amy Wrigge tore her cruciate ligament.

Show more