Back
24.11.2018Bayer 04

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

Simon Rolfes, 36-year-old honorary captain of Bayer 04 Leverkusen and 'Head of Youth and Development' since 1 July, is the new sporting director from 1 December. He takes over from Jonas Boldt, who has decided to leave Bayer 04 on 30 June 2019.
Rolfes.jpg

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_AY7W7139.jpg
Jonas Boldt will help Simon Rolfes in settling in to his new role over the coming months.

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."

Related News

Alonso
Bundesliga - 18.05.2025

Werkself Review #M05B04: Strange start, positive ending

They had their hands full in the VAR centre in Cologne: eight goals were scored at the MEWA Arena on Saturday afternoon, but only four of them were allowed in the end as the Werkself and 1. FSV Mainz 05 closed the season with a 2-2 draw. It means Bayer 04 end the 2024/25 campaign as runners-up with 69 points, representing the fourth-best season in the club's history. What's more, the Werkself are now unbeaten away from home in two whole Bundesliga seasons, with their last away defeat coming exactly two years ago on Matchday 34 of the 2022/23 season at VfL Bochum. The Black-and-Reds can continue the record run next season - albeit without Alonso and Tah. Read what else the eventful final game for the head coach and the defensive leader had to offer in the Werkself Review.

Show more
Werkself end 2024/25 with away record | 34th matchday
Werkself-TV - 17.05.2025

TV highlights of 2-2 draw at Mainz 05

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 2-2 draw at Mainz 05 on the 34th matchday of the Bundesliga 2024/25...

Show more
Letzter Spieltag
Bundesliga - 17.05.2025

Werkself end 2024/25 with away record after 2-2 draw in Mainz

Bayer 04’s final game of the 2024/25 Bundesliga season saw VAR drama and produced a new record for away results with a 2-2 draw in Mainz. The hosts had several goals ruled out before Paul Nebel put them ahead. Patrik Schick’s brace then turned things around in the second half before Jonathan Burkardt’s penalty levelled the game again. It means Leverkusen have now gone 34 away games without defeat in the Bundesliga, which no team has ever done before.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bundesliga - 17.05.2025

Matchday news #M05B04: 3,500 travelling supporters for final game

The Werkself bring down the curtain on their 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign with a game away at Mainz on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CEST). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 34 meeting at the MEWA Arena.

Show more
Gracias Xabi Alonso | Abschieds-Interview des Trainers, der in Leverkusen Geschichte schrieb
Werkself-TV - 16.05.2025

Xabi Alonso’s farewell interview after making history in Leverkusen

Xabi Alonso is leaving Leverkusen at the end of the season. In his final interview as Werkself coach, he talks about his two-and-a-half years at the helm, the greatest moments of his historic tenure and his appreciation of the connection with the fans and players throughout their remarkable progress together.

Show more