It was an acoustic topic of discussion in the TV broadcast, in the press box and even inside the BayArena. While the Werkself were playing their home game against Hoffenheim (4-1) on Sunday night, a large number of festively decorated tractors brought attention to themselves with loud honking of horns.
Farmers from the region carried out their second procession on the third Sunday in Advent with their illuminated tractors making their way through the Leverkusen residential areas. "With this event, we wanted to spread a bit of joy amongst the people during this time of the pandemic," was the view of the organiser. "And we didn't miss the chance to send a suitable greeting to our league leaders." On the second Sunday in Advent, the column of tractors visited children's and care homes for the elderly and distributed a large number of gingerbread men. A great event.
And this community project, which Bayer 04 are involved with, has also produced positive headlines: The fan liaison at the current Bundesliga league leaders have called for donations in recent days and weeks. That resulted in the donation of 86 gift boxes and commodity contributions plus Christmas biscuits and more. The donations were distributed at food stations run by the volunteer homeless support group ‘Kältegang Leverkusen’.
Back to football: The home win against Hoffenheim not only brought another three points to the Werkself but also top spot in the Bundesliga for the first time since matchday three in the 2014/15 season. The head coach then was Roger Schmidt who was at Leverkusen from 2014 to 2017. The current coach of PSV Eindhoven can look back at 61 wins and 29 draws with Bayer 04. The Black and Reds ended that season in fourth place with a total of 61 points.
It was not only Werkself fans who honoured Leon Bailey for his brace against TSG with the title of Man of the Match. Journalists also highlighted the performance of the Jamaican. The Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger and the Rheinische Post awarded top marks to Bailey who was also included in the team the day by kicker. Youngster Florian Wirtz and stalwart Julian Baumgartlinger were awarded high marks in the Stadt-Anzeiger.
The 18-year-old Samed Onur did not play against Hoffenheim but he did make his first-team debut last week in the 4-0 home win against Slavia Prague. Thanks to his first appearance under head coach Peter Bosz, Onur is now listed in the Werkself squad on bayer04.de. Up-and-coming talents Emrehan Gedikli and Cem Tuna Türkmen made their debuts previously in the Europa League. Click HERE for Onur’s profile.
The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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