Tayfun Korkut appointed new head coach at Bayer 04

"We have signed a coach in Tayfun Korkut who has great knowledge of the game, outstanding connections and lots of experience on the international stage both as a player and as a coach," declared Bayer 04 CEO Michael Schade. "We are looking to come through this difficult phase with him and finished the season well."

In the view of sporting director Rudi Völler, the Stuttgart-born Korkut is just the right man to turn things round at the Werkself. "Tayfun Korkut is a seasoned and modern coach and his approach the game fits in very well with Bayer 04 Leverkusen," said Völler. "We are optimistic we can get back on track with him."

For Korkut, the appointment at Bayer 04 is "expression of great trust and the opportunity to work with very talented players at a top club. It's a challenge that gives me great motivation and I'm looking forward to it."