As in previous years, the Werkself have put together an exciting programme of events for young and old alike. Starting with a show act with pop star Vanessa Mai, through interviews with the two Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler plus with coach Peter Bosz, to the Werkself autograph session inside the BayArena – there is something for every Bayer 04 supporter on Sunday.
Numerous game and fun options – above all for the younger Werkself supporters – are available in the concourse at the BayArena from noon. Tickets priced at five euros each are available by phoning 0049 (0) 214 5000 1904 or from the Bayer 04 shops. Ticket offices will be open on the day of the event. The entrance tickets include a voucher for a free drink
40 years in the Bundesliga, a roller coaster ride with lots of highlights. All that is contained in two DVDs that record the biggest moments for the Werkself over the last 04 decades plus entertaining outtakes provide a look behind the scenes. This DVD is available to purchase for the first time on Sunday and will then be on sale at the Bayer 04 fan shops and at the online shop.
At three information stands (Fan Support next to the shop, in the North Stand D1 and the East Stand B2), supporters have the opportunity to choose from ten different jingles for the new Bayer 04 goal tune. The current tune played when the teams come on, Rockin' all over the World, is also included in the vote. Every vote cast has the chance of winning a voucher for a Werkself shirt.
What proved to be a success at the Champions for Charity events two weeks ago will be commonplace at the BayArena in future. From Sunday, beer and alcohol free cold drinks will only be available from kiosks in reusable containers with a deposit of two euros payable. There are ten deposit points in the stadium where the cups can be deposited to provide a donation for the work of the 'Kreativ Schwarz-Rot e.V.' organisation. They are primarily responsible for the fan choreography at the BayArena.
12.00: BayArena opens
13.20: Vanessa Mai performs
13.45: Presentation of the Werkself
13.58: Player of the Season 2018/19 award
14.00: Kick-off of friendly against Valencia CF
14.50: Interview with Fernando Carro and Rudi Völler
15.50: Interview with Peter Bosz
After the game: autograph session inside the BayArena
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
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Bayer 04 plans for the 2026/27 pre-season continue to take shape. The Werkself will kick off the new season in mid-July with the return to the training ground. The highlight will be the official season opener on 8 August at the BayArena, including a friendly against La Liga club Sevilla. Friendlies in Germany will take the team to neighbouring Monheim, Offenbach and Jena.
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Strengthening the Bayer 04 Leverkusen youth teams: Konstantinos Kotsifakis will join the Werkself from Bundesliga 2 club Hertha Berlin for the 2026/27 season, where he will be a permanent member of the Leverkusen U19 coaching set-up. The German-Greek will also take on an operational role in coaching the Bayer 04 Future Team. The 29-year-old was most recently head coach of the U17s at Hertha Berlin.
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Another award for the Bayer 04 head groundsman and staff: After coming top in the 2021/22, 2022/23 and 2024/25 seasons, the BayArena pitch came second in the Bundesliga Pitch of the Year ranking for the 2025/26 season. VfL Wolfsburg secured the top spot this year, with TSG Hoffenheim in third place.
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