"I'm very optimistic that we will have a successful season," said the chairman of the board Fernando Carro at lunchtime on a stage decorated with black and red balloons and he continued: "We want to get back in the top four in the league and go as far as we can in the Europa League and the DFB Cup. Of course, we need the support of our fans again."
And that was definitely in evidence on this Sunday in beautiful summer weather: 12,500 Black and Reds found their way to the Neuland Park over the course of the day. Many of them were among the first to find out about Leon Bailey's contract extension. Sporting director Jonas Boldt was the bearer of this positive news – and that was greeted by great applause. "We said we wanted to keep the team together. But not just keep it together as we have very ambitious targets at the end of the day and all the lads who've stayed with us identify with that," said the 36-year-old. And Rudi Völler, who was unable to attend due to a TV commitment, sent a video message for the fans.
Whether it was the presentation of the new home kit, the professionally compered FIFA exhibition match on stage between Bayer 04 e-sportsman Marvin 'M4RV' Hinz and a fan prize winner, a preview of the musical '1904', the presentation of the first team squad or one of many interesting talks – there was no shortage of attractions at this family fest. Numerous partners and sponsors plus Bayer 04 sections were on hand to invite fans to try things out, get involved and join in competitions. The commitment shown on the day to provide members and fans with memorable experiences was impressive and brilliantly received: In spite of the very warm weather, young and old gathered in their numbers for six hours at the many marquees and stands.
The autograph session proved to be particularly popular with all the Werkself players and coaching staff, with the exception of Julian Baumgartlinger (torn knee ligament) and Dominik Kohr (suffering with a cold), taking part for two hours to fulfill the wishes of the fans.
Bayer 04 will have to manage without defender Guéla Doué for the time being. The Ivory Coast international sustained a muscle injury to his right calf during the final Werkself training session yesterday ahead of the Europa League clash with Slovenian champions NK Celje.
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For the first time since reaching the final against AS Roma (2–2, first leg 2–0) in May 2024, Bayer 04 are playing another home match in the UEFA Europa League – and they will be wearing their new European kit. On Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the BayArena will welcome Slovenian champions NK Celje, who appointed a new coach this week following a mixed start to the season. Under the slogan “40 Years Across Europe. Still Creating History.”, the Black and Reds now aim to add the next chapter to their European history, which has seen so much success in recent years. Bayer 04 fans can follow the match on free-to-air TV on RTL, as well as on Sky and Werkself Radio. The matchday news.
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European football returns to the BayArena: Bayer 04 host Slovenian champions NK Celje on matchday 1 in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League. Ahead of the match on Wednesday 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), head coach Carles Martínez and midfielder Aleix Garcia spoke at the pre-match press conference. The focus was primarily on the great anticipation surrounding the competition and the clear objectives for it – and, given the circumstances, on a last-minute change to the opposition line-up.
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The champions of Slovenia NK Celje are in a European competition for the fourth time in their history. This Wednesday, 16 September (kick-off: 21:00 CEST), the side lead by head coach Vitor Campelos visit the BayArena for matchday 1 in the group stage in the UEFA Europa League. Celje’s last match at the weekend did not go to plan. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Construction work continues on the ‘Haus der Talente’ on Kurtekottenweg in Leverkusen, where 36 young elite athletes will find a new home from next summer. The building team from Temmink Bau, led by Thomas Wellers, are hard at work. Over the past few days, excavators, wheeled loaders and rollers have removed 2,500 cubic metres of soil to excavate the basement.
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