Rogier Meijer leaves Bayer 04 to join Sparta Rotterdam as head coach

"We would like to thank Rogier Meijer for his commitment over the past year. He was an important part of our coaching staff and carried out his duties with great professionalism, loyalty and commitment at all times," said Managing Director Sport Simon Rolfes. "It is absolutely understandable he now wants to take the opportunity to work as a head coach in the top flight of his home country again. We wish him all the best for this new challenge."

Meijer joined Leverkusen in July 2025 after five years as head coach of Dutch top-flight club NEC Nijmegen. Following the departure of Erik ten Hag, the Dutchman initially took charge of training operations on an interim basis and was subsequently a member of the Werkself coaching staff under Kasper Hjulmand. In the UEFA Champions League home game against Newcastle United, Meijer also deputised on the touchline for head coach Hjulmand, who was unable to attend for personal reasons.