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 #B04OLY
Champions League - 24.02.2026

Matchday news #B04OLY: Focused on the second leg - Kießling and Flekken on Werkself Radio

Bayer 04 can go through to the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the ninth time tonight, 24 February (kick-off: 21:00 CET) and be in the top 16 clubs in Europe. A good omen: Leverkusen have progressed to the next round after winning the first leg in 20 of their 22 knockout rounds in European competitions to date. For their part, Greek record champions Olympiacos rested several players for last weekend’s league fixture ahead of the play-off second leg at the BayArena and will now do everything in their power to turn the tide with their usual aggressive and high pressing. The discussions on Werkself radio are likely to be just as intense as the battle on the pitch, with commentator Florian Bechholz welcoming honorary captain Stefan Kießling and goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Today’s matchday news.

Show more
Die PK mit Hjulmand und Blaswich vor dem Rückspiel gegen Piräus | Play-offs UCL
Werkself-TV - 23.02.2026

Hjulmand ahead of #B04OLY: ‘Take the game very seriously, it's not over yet’

With the advantage of the 2-0 first-leg win in the play-offs, the Werkself are looking to book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the sold-out BayArena. Ahead of the home game against Olympiacos on Tuesday, 24 February (kick-off: 21:00 CET), coach Kasper Hjulmand and goalkeeper Janis Blaswich spoke about the position ahead of the match, the visitors' strength at set-pieces and a personnel issue for the home side.

Show more
Panagiotis Retsos gegen Patrik Schick
Champions League - 23.02.2026

Opponents update - Mendilibar: ‘We need to be more precise in our finishing’

With a win in the Greek Super League last weekend, Olympiacos achieved success on the pitch ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg at Bayer 04 on Tuesday, 24 February (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Coach José Luis Mendilibar rested many of his regular starters.

Show more
Frauen unterliegen nach frühem Elfmeter-Treffer der TSG Hoffenheim | 19. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 22.02.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 0-1 loss against TSG Hoffenheim

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 0-1 loss against TSG Hoffenheim on the 19th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more