… the decision to resume the Bundesliga season: We’re happy about the decision. It’s a sign of the confidence of the politicians in the concept of the DFL that prescribes the organisational and hygienic requirements. A lot of people have been working on it and its local implementation over the past few weeks both by DFL and the clubs. In our case, we have to thank our team doctor Dr. Karl-Heinrich Dittmar and his team. They designed all the measures and implemented them. But it’s also clear this decision also brings great responsibility with it – for the club and the players. We want to live up to that in the coming weeks.
…criticism of the decision: Above all in a crisis, it’s important not to play different groups off against each other. You can’t criticise anybody who wants to do their job again. The people in charge from the widest range of groups had and have the chance to work out plans for a restart – and professional football has achieved it. Of course, football as the number one sport, which is reported on daily in nearly all the media, plays a big part in the public dialogue. But it doesn’t automatically have a higher priority over anything else because of that.
…the competitive parity of the Bundesliga clubs: I believe that’s a given. Everybody has trained in restricted conditions and without an exact target date, starting in small groups. It hardly has any effect if you resume full training one or two days earlier than others. Not all teams start at the same time in the pre-season or during the winter break.
…the case of an infected player/manager over the course of the season: The power of ultimate decision in that event is with the local health authorities. They impose the quarantine measures. We have a close and good relationship with the local health authority in Leverkusen. Don’t forget: The tight timing of the testing is obviously designed to identify positive cases early and to prevent further infection.
…possibility of fans gathering outside stadiums: There are ongoing conversations between Bayer 04 and the fans. And, of course, we appeal to our supporters to watch the Werkself games at home in front of the television. On top of that, we have great confidence in our supporters. They are well aware that you can’t joke about this coronavirus pandemic. Feedback from our fans has shown they are conscious of their responsibility – both in view of their own health and also in the knowledge they could harm Bayer 04.
…the next steps before the restart: The DFL general meeting is tomorrow. After that, we’ll know exactly which matchday we’ll start with. We will start full training again and the regular coronavirus testing has and will serve as one of the preconditions for that. The hotel we use depends on the start date and venue. We’ll make that decision in the next day or two.
The highly successful and mutually appreciated partnership between Bayer 04 and head coach Xabi Alonso ends after two and a half years. The 43-year-old Spaniard has led the Werkself to three trophies. Above all, winning the first German league title in the club's history will always be associated with the name of Xabi Alonso. The former world class player, who won many hearts in Leverkusen as a person, now says farewell to Bayer 04. We look back at a fantastic time with the Basque who fulfilled the biggest dream of all Bayer 04 fans together with an outstanding team.
Show moreA few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreA cracker of a semi-final at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The Bayer 04 U19 team entertain Bayern Munich on Saturday, 10 May (kick-off: 11:00 CEST/stadium opens: 10:00 CEST). In front of a home crowd, the team led by head coach Sergi Runge, who welcomes back an attacking player, is looking to build on the battling performances from the previous knockout games and "perform at the right moment." Tickets are available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the game will also be broadcast live on Sky.
Show moreBayer 04 Leverkusen will be the first Bundesliga club to open and operate a football academy in Brazil. The "Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo," led by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sérgio, will be established on the Bayer Brazil campus in São Paulo and accommodate up to 300 children and youth ages 5 to 15.
Show more