Back
23.12.2018Bayer 04

Peter Bosz takes over as coach from Heiko Herrlich

Bayer 04 have parted company with head coach Heiko Herrlich. The Bundesliga club has released the 47-year-old as well as his assistant coach Nico Schneck with immediate effect. Herrlich's successor as the Werkself coach is the Dutchman Peter Bosz who will take up his post on 4 January 2019 for the start of preparations for the second half of the season.
bosz.jpg

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."

Related News

Bayer 04 Women suffer narrow defeat to Wolfsburg | 2nd matchday
Werkself-TV - 30.08.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 1-2 loss against VfL Wolfsburg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-2 loss against VfL Wolfsburg on the 2nd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.

Edmond Tapsoba und Christian Kofane vor der Kurve
Bundesliga - 30.08.2026

Werkself review #ELVB04: ‘Do much, much better next week’

In the 3-2 defeat at Bundesliga newcomers SV 07 Elversberg, the Werkself found the back of the net in the closing stages and, with a bit of luck, could still have equalised. “Today, our play wasn’t good enough, particularly when it came to the basics,” said head coach Carles Martínez. Like the boss, Ibrahim Maza also wants to learn from the match and look ahead: “Next week, people should be able to see from the very first minute that we want it more than our opponents.” The Werkself review on the Bundesliga opener in 2026/27.

Show more
Patrik Schick
Bundesliga - 29.08.2026

Werkself lose 3-2 at Elversberg despite late comeback in Bundesliga opener

No points to start the league campaign: Bayer 04 lost 3-2 away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg in the first Bundesliga match of the 2026/27 campaign. Two quick-fire goals from Lukas Petkov (8’) and Cole Campbell (10’) gave the hosts an early lead, before David Mokwa scored the Saarland side’s third shortly after half-time (46’). In the closing stages, the Werkself rallied and staged a late comeback with goals from Patrik Schick (77’) and Christian Kofane (90+1’), but the Black and Reds were denied an equaliser.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #ELVB04
Bundesliga - 29.08.2026

Matchday news #ELVB04: Bundesliga opener against newcomer with strong attack

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..

Show more
Autogrammstunde
Bayer 04 - 28.08.2026

Fanwelt event following UEL draw: Autograph session with Culbreath and Sergio

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.

Show more