…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.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will begin their 2025-26 preseason campaign with an exciting friendly against Flamengo U20, one of South America’s elite youth sides, on Thursday, 18 July at 15:00 local time (20:00 CEST). The game will be played at historic Estádio da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro.
Show moreThe match details for the Bayer 04 first round tie in the 2025/26 DFB Pokal campaign have been confirmed. The Werkself are away to SG Sonnenhof Großaspach on Friday, 15 August with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. That was announced by the German Football Association (DFB) today. The DFB Pokal tie against the state cup winners from Baden-Württemberg will be played at the WIRmachenDRUCK Arena. Ticket information to follow.
Show moreThe German Football Association (DFB) has given Bayer 04 the Pitch of the Year award in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga for the 2024/25 season and thereby for the sixth time in succession. The Ulrich Haberland Stadium was once again named the best pitch in the Women's Bundesliga last season.
Show moreTo all Bayer 04 fans: The Fanwelt will be closed all day next Monday 30 June. This is due to preparations for the change of kit supplier from Castore to New Balance on Tuesday 1 July.
Show moreA high quality test for the Bayer 04 Women: The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold will play Women’s Bundesliga runners-up VfL Wolfsburg during the training camp in Rieden in Bavaria.
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