
In an in-depth interview, CEO Fernando Carro and new sporting managing director Simon Rolfes talk in detail about their partnership for the first time and reveal which of their opposite number’s characteristics they would like to have. The duo also describe their targets with the Werkself, recall the start of their working together and even make a brave bet in the end.
In the 160 pages, head coach Gerardo Seoane and midfielder Kerem Demirbay also discuss the new season and their particular aims. The Werkself squad is presented in detail, lovers of statistics can discover historic data on Bayer 04 in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup as well as competitions on the European stage. Fans can also find out about the Champions League, the Youth League and the Veterans team plus the Bayer 04 eSports squad. Thomas Eichin explains the role of the Mexico tour in the strategy of internationalisation and professionalisation of the Women’s section. The almanac also has a detailed service section.
Moreover: The ‘normal’ Werkself magazine is also part of the service package and it appears four times per year – there is also an additional special edition this season for the start of the Champions League campaign.
You can read up on everything from the world of the Werkself now in the 2022/23 Werkself yearbook. You can also receive a copy by becoming a Club member. Sign up for membership here.
You can also browse all previous editions of the Werkself magazines since the first in the 2015/16 season.

The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
Show more
The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
Show more
The Bundesliga is back. On Saturday 29 August (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg on matchday 1 of the new season. Ahead of the clash at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the importance of a successful start and the motivation of the league newcomers from the Saarland.
Show more
On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
Show more
After six and a half years, Exequiel Palacios is leaving the Bundesliga and moving from Bayer 04 to the Premier League. The Argentine, who as a Werkself player won the World Cup with his national team four years ago and finished as runners-up at this summer’s tournament, will play for newly promoted English side Ipswich Town with immediate effect. The 27-year-old, whose contract in Leverkusen was due to run until 30 June 2030, joined Bayer 04 in January 2020 as a promising young talent. He steadily developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in the German top flight.
Show more