"The island has again and again been worth a visit for us for over a decade. After the 2020 World Cup, we had to find a holiday destination very quickly and that's how we ended up here. Ibiza is now almost like a second home for us. Obviously not to party all the time but more because we can just really relax there and also have great days out. And it's brilliant for the children being able to knock around outdoors."
"One of the many sensational places we got to know and fell in love with on our world tour. We have been back there too. The beach between Cancun and Tulum with its Maya ruins is simply fabulous. We had a wonderful hotel there where we quickly felt at home. On top of that, the Mexicans are super friendly and approachable people."
"We landed up there in 2018 as part of our global tour. We spent six days there and had a great time. The city itself is fascinating but we were more excited by the fantastic opportunities in the surrounding area, which we also investigated on bicycles. The expanse of the countryside is simply incredible. We definitely want to go back there again and rent a lodge somewhat further outside the city."
"We've been coming to Lermoos over Christmas and New Year for ten years. We stay in a family hotel where the regular guests get on with each other really well. There is a gorgeous panorama in the Tyrol, the kids go skiing and I go for walks with the dog – simply brilliant. And now I can move really well again after my hip operation, perhaps I might learn to ski again as I'm getting on."
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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