"Hannes Wolf stabilised a deeply unsettled team under difficult conditions several weeks ago. The team were able to end a negative run of results under him and secure European qualification. Bayer 04 are very grateful to Hannes and his training staff for that achievement," declared sporting director Simon Rolfes.
"We want to challenge again next season with Gerardo Seoane. He has won the Swiss league title three times in succession with Young Boys and also won the cup in 2020 – and that with an attractive and attacking approach that is very close to our philosophy at Leverkusen," added Rolfes. "For a long time, we have defined ourselves by our attacking, dominant and technical style. And in the coming years, we want to develop that way of playing in tandem with Gerardo Seoane and achieve success."
Sporting managing director Rudi Völler assesses Hannes Wolf's work in the past two months as "effective and productive. We were on the rocks. Hannes and his coaching staff brought new life to the team. Our idea worked. Now he returns the DFB as agreed. But I'm convinced we'll see Hannes Wolf again at a professional club."
40-year-old Wolf emphasised his "appreciation for the confidence of Bayer 04 and above all the staff supporting the team from getting out of a very difficult situation to fight the target of European qualification. We achieved that target and the team deserves our respect for giving their all again in spite of significant injury problems," said Wolf. "Now I'm looking forward to returning to the DFB my work as the Germany U19 coach."
With the 42-year-old Gerardo Seoane, as Völler explains, "we have brought in a coach who has established Young Boys as the undisputed number one team in Switzerland over the past three years. It's impressive the way Bern have dominated the league there under his management. We are very much looking forward to working with Gerardo. He will be an asset to the Bundesliga."
For Seoane, who has dual Swiss and Spanish nationality and speaks six languages fluently, the job after three years at Young Boys Bern is a "step up to the next level. Of course, we Swiss always watch the Bundesliga. It's a top European league and Bayer 04 Leverkusen have consistently been at the top for many years," declared the 42-year-old, who brings Patrick Schnarwiler with him as assistant coach. "I find it extremely attractive to be able to coach this Bundesliga squad with such potential," said Seoane. “In the very professional and ambitious environment here on the Rhine, I see ideal conditions for playing attractive football and competing amongst the top teams in the league and in Europe. I'm really looking forward to this challenge."
“Diaby! Diaby! Diaby!” was the cry around the BayArena as the Werkself danced in front of the north stand following their 4-0 win over Union Berlin. Captain Edmond Tapsoba gave his new (and old) teammate a friendly shove forward to take in the acclaim from the fans. The returning Frenchman was typically reserved in thanking the supporters but was clearly emotional about what was happening.
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The Bundesliga is back at the BayArena this Saturday as Bayer 04 play their first home game of the 2026/27 campaign against Union Berlin (15:30 CEST). Moussa Diaby could make his second debut for the Werkself following his return to Leverkusen – and it would be an ideal fixture for the Frenchman. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the encounter in our matchday news.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 at TSG Hoffenheim on the 3rd matchday of the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga 2026/27.
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The Bundesliga returns to the BayArena for 2026/27 as Bayer 04 host Union Berlin on Saturday (15:30 CEST) looking for their first points of the season after last week’s opening loss at Elversberg. Head coach Carles Martínez spoke ahead of the game about what he’s learned, the team’s newest signings and who could return to the squad.
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