Simon Rolfes new sporting director – Jonas Boldt leaves Bayer 04 in the summer

Up to then, Boldt  will help the 26-time Germany international Rolfes learn the ropes in his new role and provide him with comprehensive support. Boldt has worked full time for the Werkself in various positions since  2007.

"We're very grateful to Jonas Boldt. He has made a significant contribution to the success of the Werkself over recent years with his drive and unconditional commitment," said Werner Wenning, chair of the shareholders' committee at Bayer 04 Leverkusen. "At the same time, we are very happy to be able to fill the important position of sporting director from our own ranks with Simon Rolfes. He has the right sporting pedigree and also has great connections on an international level as well as all the qualities required to help Bayer 04 be successful going forward."

The decision to appoint Simon Rolfes is, in the eyes of CEO Fernando Carro, "a clear commitment to the DNA of Bayer 04. Simon was the captain of the Werkself for many years and is a positive role model respected from all sides. He knows the club better than almost anyone else." Regarding Jonas Boldt, sporting managing director Rudi Völler added: "I've worked very closely with Jonas for many years. Firstly, as head scout and my assistant as well as squad manager after the departure of  Michael Reschke, Jonas influenced the personnel policy and played a big part in our regular presence in European competitions," said Völler. "I'm sure Jonas will approach future challenges with the same passion and demonstrate his special qualities in another setting. After so many years at Bayer 04, it is understandable he wants to show what he can do elsewhere. I have no doubt we'll meet up with him again at a really high level."

Boldt, who started as an intern at Leverkusen in 2003, took over the role of sporting director from Völler at the start of the season after he became the sporting managing director. For Boldt, leaving Bayer 04 represents a change in his career as he has previously been dedicated to the club he supported from when he was a child. "I'm grateful to Bayer 04 Leverkusen for the opportunity to develop my career over many years and be successful here. But I'm now at the point where I believe I need to move on to take the next steps forward. After 15 years and my special connection to this club, it has been anything but easy to make this move. For that reason, everyone at Bayer 04 can rely on me carrying on to the summer with all my passion to achieve a successful end to this final season together. I wish Bayer 04 and everybody who cares about this club all the best in the future."

For Simon Rolfes, who spent ten years playing for Werkself including seven as captain, becoming part of the club's management, "is a dream come true. I have so much to thank Bayer 04 for and I'm looking forward to the new challenge," said Rolfes, who has just completed a two-year course with UEFA to become  an 'Executive Master for International Players (MIP). "I want to justify the confidence shown in me and I'll do all I can to get Bayer 04 into a position over the long term where we deserve to be: amongst the top clubs in German football and a regular guest on the European stage."