The 54-year-old, who took Ajax through to the Europa League final against Manchester United in 2017, has signed a contract to 30 June 2020. Bosz will be joined at Leverkusen by his assistant coach Hendrik 'Hendrie' Krüzen.
"Heiko Herrlich gave our team an important boost last year after a very difficult season and he took us into Europe. We were convinced and determined to turn the corner with him as head coach. Unfortunately, there has been an undeniable stagnation in the development of the team. Even though we are within reach of the European positions at the end of the year we find ourselves in a situation after a less than satisfactory first half of the season that makes a change of coach essential from our point of view," said Rudi Völler as sporting managing director in explaining the decision.
"With Peter Bosz as manager we want to get back to meeting our ambitious targets as quickly as possible," declared the Bayer 04 chairman Fernando Carro. "Of course, that is also down to the players. They have to consistently show their undoubted ability, which unfortunately has rarely been evident over the past six months."
In the view of Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes, Peter Bosz wants to play "Attacking, high tempo and exciting football. He has always demonstrated particular passion in working with young players wherever he has coached. Therefore, Peter is an excellent fit here with us as we have placed great emphasis on developing highly talented youth players and bringing them through to the top level in a balanced combination with experienced pros for many years. Our team will benefit from having Peter Bosz as our coach," declared Rolfes. "Particularly at Ajax, he demonstrated he can improve young players, build teams and also compete on the European stage."
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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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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The Bayer 04 Women’s squad for the coming season is continuing to take shape: Centre-back Emily Wallrabenstein has moved to Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt’s reserve team, who play in the Women’s Bundesliga 2. The 19-year-old has penned a contract until 30 June 2028.
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Bayern 04 Women have confirmed another summer signing, with midfielder Paulina Platner moving to Leverkusen from SGS Essen. The 20-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Werkself.
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