
"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."


Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
Show more
The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
Show more
One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.
Show more
Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.
Show more