Werkself fans have again had the chance to vote for their Goal of the Season in 2021/22. Bayer 04 supporters had the opportunity until the middle of this week to vote for their favourite Black and Red goal from last term on the club's Facebook page. Now there is a winner: Talented U19 striker Iker Bravo has been voted into top spot – congratulations.
In a 3-1 win against Fortuna Düsseldorf in the U19 Bundesliga West last October, the young Spaniard not only netted a brace for the U19 team but also achieved a rare feat: Teammate Emre Aksoy lifted the ball into the penalty area from the right on 75 minutes and Bravo rose to meet the ball with an acrobatic overhead kick from the penalty spot that ended up in the back of the net to make it 2-1.
HERE is the spectacular strike from Bravo to enjoy again.
From the pitch to the dugout: One year after retiring from the professional game, the 33 year-old twin brothers Lars and Sven Bender are now youth coaches with the German Football Association (DFB). Werkself honorary captain Lars joins the coaching staff of the Germany U15s under Marc-Patrick Meister and Mario Himsl, his twin brother Sven is assistant coach with the Germany U16 team working alongside Michael Prus and Janis Hohenhövel.
The two long-standing Werkself players, who together made 26 full international appearances for Germany, said on dfb.de: "We needed a break after our playing careers and we noticed we now want to give something back. With our experience, we believe we can provide a lot of help for the young talented players to help them on their way to being professional players."
The Ulrich Haberland Cup is back again. The tournament organised by the Nordkurve12 supporters group will take place on Saturday 2 July from 11.00 CEST at the Kurt-Rieß facility of TSV Bayer 04. Spectators are welcome one hour before kick-off. Food and drink will be provided by NK 12 in association with the ASB Regional Association Vest Recklingshausen with the profits from the catering going to the children's palliative ward at the Leverkusen Clinic who need donations for building work. Collection tins will also be set up. Further information on the tournament to follow.
The security service provider Securitas is looking for stewards in Leverkusen for sports and large-scale events at basic pay of €450 (Mini job). Work is usually in evenings during the week as well as at weekends. The main focus of the work is on sporting events.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and be able to speak good German. Securitas also have a service requirement that covers the willingness to undergo training as well as good manners and a smart appearance. A clean driving licence is also required on appointment. Duties include access and flow control, entry and ticket checks as well as supervision of emergency escapes and emergency exits.
The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
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The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
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The Bundesliga is back. On Saturday 29 August (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg on matchday 1 of the new season. Ahead of the clash at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the importance of a successful start and the motivation of the league newcomers from the Saarland.
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On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
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After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
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