…the playing staff: Following the departure of Kai (Havertz, ed.) and Kevin (Volland, ed.) signing Patrik (Schick, ed.) was an important transfer deal for us. He’s a versatile player who can play up front on his own – and with a partner – as well as in the hole. He fits in really well with the way we play. On top of that, we have lots of other players in our squad who are versatile in attacking positions.
…expectations of the team: And I wouldn’t just focus on new players but also on those who are here. Perhaps the changed structure gives many of them a chance to grow into a role. We expect one or the other who are already here to take the next step in their development this season – and I think they can do it.
…other potential new signings: Of course, we’ll see how far we can strengthen the squad. I’m not ruling anything out. But we’re not specifically looking at a position or a particular player. We won’t go mad but instead always act sensibly.
…possible departures: You can’t rule anything out in football. Rumours are normal in a transfer window and always a sign that are players attractive and have a value. At the end of a day, we are a club that has to sell players if we get the right offers.
…Jonathan Tah: He’s a player with the potential to keep improving. I believe he is capable of using the qualities he has, be that his presence in challenges or his pace. That will give our game even more quality.
…the return of fans: There’s huge relief we can finally play in front of spectators again. They provide that special atmosphere in stadiums. I think all the clubs are very well prepared. It’s right to begin with a certain number (20 per cent of the capacity, ed.) to be able to improve processes. It’s a step towards normality.
…the Bundesliga opener: The start of the season is not easy without a proper pre-season. Despite that, a team can grow together. In addition, we don’t have any new signings other than Lennart Grill and Patrik Schick up to now. To that extent, all the players know each other and have taken in the way we play. I expect the players to quickly form a team – and take on the difficult circumstances as a challenge. Then I’ll be optimistic that we can make a good start to the season.


At the end of the winter training camp in Portugal, the Bayer 04 Women convincingly mastered their friendly ahead of the start of the second half of the season. In the match against Swiss league leaders Servette FCCF, coach Roberto Pätzold's team won 3-0 at the Monte Gordo Sports Complex. Carlotta Wamser (4’), Vanessa Fudalla (18’) and Loreen Bender (53’) scored for Bayer 04, who have been preparing for the Rückrunde in the Algarve since last Saturday.
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In the first episode of the new interview series "A New Chapter", Werkself defender Jarell Quansah reflects on his first few months under the Cross and speaks about his journey from England to Leverkusen. Having come through the ranks at Liverpool, a new chapter began for Quansah in the summer at Bayer 04 — with new objectives, fresh challenges and much ambition. In the video, the centre-back speaks about his development as a player and person, about the courage to leave your own comfort zone, and about what it means for him to be part of an international team in a different country. Honest, reflective and full of motivation — just like the start of his Werkself career.
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Full focus on Hoffenheim: after the late postponement of the away match at Hamburger SV, the Werkself are looking forward. To get themselves in top shape for the key clash at top-six rivals TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday 17 January (kick-off 15:30 CET), a number of players showed full commitment even on a day off - including two AFCON returnees...
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After Rio de Janeiro, it's off to Thuringia: This summer, Bayer 04 Leverkusen will prepare for the 2026/27 football season in Germany. While Brazil was the destination last year, the Werkself will now set up their training camp in Blankenhain, just outside Erfurt, from 1 to 7 August 2026.
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Four Bayer 04 players are in action at the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations being played in Morocco from 21 December to 18 January 2026: Eliesse Ben Seghir for the hosts, Edmond Tapsoba with Burkina Faso, Ibrahim Maza for Algeria and Christian Kofane with Cameroon. Updates on the AFCON matches involving Werkself players...
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