
The recent Euros and their effect on German football, youth development at the clubs, financial models in competition with international rivals but, above all, the targets and mutual expectations of the Bundesliga 2 clubs Fortuna Düsseldorf and FC Köln and the top-flight sides Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer 04 were the most important of many subjects on an informative and entertaining evening. Under the guidance of RP editors Jannik Sorgatz and Gianni Costa, Fortuna Düsseldorf’s Klaus Allofs, FC Köln’s Christian Keller, Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Roland Virkus and Simon Rolfes took part in a roundtable discussion dealing with lots of matters succinctly but also with humour.
To what extent predictions and expectations can be met will start to be evident on Friday in the Bundesliga when Borussia Mönchengladbach entertain the champions of Germany, DFB Pokal and Supercup winners Bayer 04 in the first game of the new league campaign with the kick off at 20.30 CEST.
Photo: Andreas Bretz

Edmond Tapsoba has signed an early extension to his contract with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With two years left on his current deal, the 27-year-old Burkina Faso international has extended his contract until 30 June 2031. The centre-back joined as a young talent from Portuguese top-flight club Vitoria Guimaraes at the start of 2020.
Show more
A special surprise: during the preview for the 'Fierté Burkinabè' documentary about Edmond Tapsoba, Bayer 04 directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes announced Tapsoba's contract extension until 2031 together with the centre-back. He then spoke to Werkself-TV about his time in Leverkusen so far and future ambitions...
Show more
This evening was deeply moving: At a really special setting, Bayer 04 exclusively presented the specially produced documentary ‘Fierté Burkinabè’ ("Burkinabe Pride") about Edmond Tapsoba on Tuesday. For the preview at the BayArena, the parents of the Werkself player and other close companions travelled all the way from his African homeland Burkina Faso. The 45-minute film shows Tapsoba's extraordinary career from his beginnings in Ouagadougou to Leverkusen as well as the work of his foundation "Fondation Edmond Tapsoba", with representatives from Burkina Faso also present. Fans can watch the documentary free of charge on Werkself TV and YouTube from Wednesday night at 20:00 CEST.
Show more
Bayer 04 have signed left-back Carolin Simon from champions Bayern Munich for the coming season. The 33-year-old former Germany international, who played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016, has signed a contract to 30 June 2028.
Show more
Bayer 04 Women have strengthened for the coming season with the signing of Lobke Loone. The 23-year-old Dutch striker joins from Utrecht on a contract until 30 June 2028.
Show more