The dates are set: The Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg in the first round of the DFB Cup on the penultimate day in July. The new season launch event with the fans will take place at the BayArena a day later. In addition, the venue for the first pre-season friendly has also been confirmed.
A weekend that all Bayer 04 supporters should circle in red in their diaries: First, the Werkself play SV 07 Elversberg (kick-off: 15.30 CEST) in the first round of the DFB Cup on Saturday 30 July. Tickets for the match are expected to go on sale on Tuesday 5 July.
A day later on Sunday 31 July, the Werkself invite all fans to the official season launch at the BayArena. The area between the Ulrich Haberland Stadium and the motorway is open from 10.30 CEST and entry is free of charge. A Black and Red programme of events to mark new season awaits young and old alike for the following six hours.
The highlight of the day is planned for lunchtime: The team under head coach Gerardo Seoane will be presented to the fans. That will be followed by an autograph session with Lukas Hradecky & Co. taking time out for the supporters. A varied programme of events is planned with lots of opportunities for the whole family to join in.
There is also an opportunity to secure the new Werkself shirt and have it printed as required. Anyone not looking for new kit but who wants to avoid missing any of the home games in the 2022/23 season has the chance to try out a potential season card seat at the BayArena. All current season cardholders can use the Bayer 04 Service Centre to change their seats if required.
The date for the first friendly against MSV Duisburg has long been known but now the venue for the Werkself game against the Zebras on Saturday 9 July has been confirmed. Seoane and his players head 50 kilometres north to Velbert. This will provide an opportunity to gain the first insights ahead of the coming season against the third division side. The kick-off at the IMS Arena will be at 15.30 CEST. Further information on ticket sales will be announced shortly.
Calendar of events:
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
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