It was scant reward in view of the reverse but definitely worthwhile in terms of quality: Nadiem Amiri came up with a stroke of genius in the 2-1 away defeat in Frankfurt at the start of January 2021. From a chipped assist from youngster Florian Wirtz, the Black and Red number 11 turned with the ball at his feet in the direction of the Eintracht goal and then skilfully back-heeled it through the legs of keeper Kevin Trapp for the opening goal (10'). With half of the votes, the Werkself player won the vote for the January Goal of the Month on ARD Sportschau. HERE is a video of the strike from the 25-year-old.
Equally spectacular was Patrik Schick’s goal that was named Goal of the Month in June of last year. During the Euros, the Bayer 04 number 14 scored one of the best goals in the tournament in the group match between the Czech Republic and Scotland: After the 25-year-old put his team ahead with a header just before half-time (42'), he doubled his tally in the second half. After winning the ball, Schick saw that the Scotland keeper David Marshall was a long way out of his goal and he then hit an incredible long-range effort from over 45 yards into the net to double the lead at 2-0 (52'). Schick's long-range masterpiece can be seen HERE again.
Bayer 04 fans can now vote for the two Werkself players online at sportschau.de or by phoning 01371/3690 (in Germany) plus the final number of their favourite goal (Amiri: add 01, Schick: add 06). The vote closes on 23 January at 23.59 CET. The award for the goalscorer of the year will take place on 30 January.
Werkself player Edmond Tapsoba returns to action – and Burkina Faso get back to winning ways with him in the side. After the 22-year-old missed out in his country's opening match in the Africa Cup of Nations (a 2-1 defeat against Cameroon), Burkina Faso kept a clean sheet and picked up their first three points in the tournament thanks to a goal just before half-time. If Tapsoba and Co. – currently second in Group 8 – win their third and final group match against Ethiopia on 17 January then they are almost certain of going through to the last 16.
The Werkself player Paulinho tested positive for Covid-19 earlier this week and is currently in self-isolation. The 21-year-old Brazilian player has now communicated on social media with an urgent message to his followers: "I've had several symptoms but I’m looking after myself. To anybody who hasn't been vaccinated yet, I say: Be careful and get vaccinated – to protect others as well." We are right behind that call from our number seven.
The former Bayer 04 Women's player Sandra Jessen has returned to her home country to join the Icelandic top-flight side Thór/KA Akureyri. The 26-year-old played there from 2011 to 2015 and 2016 to 2018 – before and between her time at Leverkusen (2016 and 2019-21). Jessen became pregnant during her final season at Bayer 04 and gave birth last summer. After time off with the baby, the Iceland international is now resuming her career. "I've been able to learn a lot over the three years, made great friends and had a lot of fun at Leverkusen. Thank you for everything," Jessen wrote on her Instagram channel. "But now it's time for a new chapter." Good luck!
The Executive Committee of the German Football League (DFL) this week discussed guidelines for the postponement of Bundesliga matches as set out in the DFL rules of play. In this matter, the committee have asked the Football Commission, made up of representatives of ten clubs, to continue with their ongoing review of the rule. Centre stage are the definition of and dealing with long-term injuries. The aim is to work out possible suggestions for amending the rule for the 2022/23 season.
The guidelines were last amended in May 2020. The DFL said changes to the rule during the current season will not be made at the moment with a view to the integrity of the competition.
Former Werkself player Dietmar Demuth today celebrates his 67th birthday. The former defender joined Leverkusen from FC St. Pauli immediately after promotion to the Bundesliga 1979. Demuth made 92 Bundesliga appearances in Black and Red and he scored 14 goals. He was at Leverkusen for four years before returning to Hamburg in 1984 after a year at Kickers Offenbach. He became a coach after ending his playing career in 1988 – including at FC St. Pauli. Many happy returns.
As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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