Following Tuesday night’s 2-1 win, the team under head coach Peter Bosz temporarily moved up to second in the table behind Bayern Munich – but RB Leipzig regained second spot on Wednesday with a 1-0 win against Union Berlin. That means the Werkself finish the first half of the season on 32 points (Leipzig: 35; Bayern: 39) in third place in a Champions League position.
Due to the crowded fixture list, the first half of the season finishes in the middle of a run of games – there is no sense of half-time as the second half of the season starts on Saturday with a game at home to VfL Wolfsburg (Saturday 23 January, 15.30 CET).
The final day in self-isolation after arriving in Germany on Sunday, the first Werkself training session on Monday, the first time in the squad on Tuesday against BVB – new signing Timothy Fosu-Mensah has jumped straight in at the deep end with the Werkself. Thursday brought the obligatory first media session. At the photo shoot, profile and autograph card photos were taken and that was followed by video production and the first interview was completed. That will be available here soon on Bayer 04 TV.
Our sporting director has a reason to celebrate: Simon Rolfes’ birthday is today. The Bayer 04 honorary captain was born in Ibbenbüren in the Westphalian region of Tecklenburger Land 39 years ago. The Bayer 04 family wish Simon many happy returns. On his birthday, we have dug out the Bayer 04 YouTube channel episode of ‘Den kenn‘ ich!’ (I know him) with Rolfes and Stefan Kießling. The duo played together for almost ten years but how well do they know each other? Here is the video.
The wait for the next episode of our Werks11 podcast is nearly over. Next Tuesday is the day. The new edition was recorded on Thursday. And we can reveal this much: It’s another current Werkself player who will talk about football and also divulge details on his private life. He is tall, blond, often wears gloves and he knows cold temperatures from his home country…
The Bayer 04 Women have been the surprise package in the league this season are in the top half of the table in fifth with 20 points. One of the reasons is the big squad as head coach Achim Feifel explains in an interview in the women's football magazine 'ELFEN: "It was important to us to have two players in each position. That leads to more depth, greater competition and increased intensity in training." The full article on the Werkself Women and their new role is in the current 'ELFEN' edition #4. The magazine is available from the usual outlets now.
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.
Show more
There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.
Show more
Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!
Show more
A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
Show more
