Simon Rolfes on…
…squad planning: We battle to keep hold of the players. With Florian (Wirtz, ed.) and Patrik (Schick, ed.), two of our key players, we have been able to further extend their contracts. That was our most important target in squad planning for this summer and a big commitment to the club by the two of them. We are aware that players strive to make changes at a certain point in their careers but that’s all part of football. If that does happen in the next few years then we will have the right response – as we did with the signing of Patrik when Kai Havertz left the club and we will be ready again in the future.
…Moussa Diaby: I’m optimistic and I assume Moussa will stay with us. Moussa faces big steps forward in his career with the Champions League and possible participation in the World Cup. Therefore, it’s important to play in a team where he plays a key role and enjoys the trust and confidence of coaches and management. He’s aware of that. I think Moussa is in exactly the right place at Bayer 04.
…succeeding Rudi Völler as the sporting managing director: Rudi is definitely a big personality in German football and he has earned that standing over a long period with his genuine approach. He was not only a fantastic player but also a successful club and national team coach, club official and managing director. It’s a special inheritance. Nevertheless, it doesn’t change anything in the tasks that lie ahead. I have taken a lot of responsibility in the past few years. Rudi has left big footsteps and that’s my target too. I want to develop Bayer 04 not just in terms of the first team but also in scouting and youth work.
…new paths and ideas: A lot has happened in the last few years in areas like video scouting. I’m generally open to new things, to try them out and find out what it’s all about. In addition, I encourage our members of staff. It doesn’t mean you have to chase after everything that’s new. The truth is often somewhere in the middle: Use new things without thinking it’s a cure for all ills.
…the role of Bayer 04 in the transfer market: We have established a clear position in recent years. We know exactly which players we are looking for. On the other hand, the players know the opportunities they have with us of developing in a settled environment and getting a lot of time on the pitch at an early age. We want lads who are determined to further their careers and development and not just look at the financial side. We are very competitive in terms of these young and hungry players – not just nationally but also, above all, on the international stage.
They had their hands full in the VAR centre in Cologne: eight goals were scored at the MEWA Arena on Saturday afternoon, but only four of them were allowed in the end as the Werkself and 1. FSV Mainz 05 closed the season with a 2-2 draw. It means Bayer 04 end the 2024/25 campaign as runners-up with 69 points, representing the fourth-best season in the club's history. What's more, the Werkself are now unbeaten away from home in two whole Bundesliga seasons, with their last away defeat coming exactly two years ago on Matchday 34 of the 2022/23 season at VfL Bochum. The Black-and-Reds can continue the record run next season - albeit without Alonso and Tah. Read what else the eventful final game for the head coach and the defensive leader had to offer in the Werkself Review.
Show moreWerkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-2 draw at Mainz 05 on the 34th matchday of the Bundesliga 2024/25...
Show moreBayer 04’s final game of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season saw VAR drama and produced a new record for away results with a 2-2 draw in Mainz. The hosts had several goals ruled out before Paul Nebel put them ahead. Patrik Schick’s brace then turned things around in the second half before Jonathan Burkardt’s penalty levelled the game again. It means Leverkusen have now gone 34 away games without defeat in the Bundesliga, which no team has ever done before.
Show moreThe Werkself bring down the curtain on their 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign with a game away at Mainz on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 34 meeting at the MEWA Arena.
Show moreXabi Alonso is leaving Leverkusen at the end of the season. In his final interview as Werkself coach, he talks about his two-and-a-half years at the helm, the greatest moments of his historic tenure and his appreciation of the connection with the fans and players throughout their remarkable progress together.
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