He still gets around a lot as he explained on his mobile, stuck in a traffic jam on his way back to Rivenich. Klaus Toppmöller has for many years lived with his wife Rosi in the Eifel near to Trier. Toppi had just come back from Munich where he was helping his son Dino move. The 40-year-old was appointed assistant coach at FC Bayern in July after having worked with head coach Julian Nagelsmann at RB Leipzig before. Of course, Klaus Toppmöller will be a frequent visitor to the Allianz Arena. And, as his daughter Sarah-Nina moved with her husband last year to the Vierwaldstätter See in Switzerland, he is looking forward to many trips to see his children and grandchildren. Only his youngest son Tommy is still living near to his parents. Toppmöller is now a proud five-time grandfather. "I enjoy having lots of time for the family."
He no longer has ambitions of a coaching job. But, of course, football aficionados like him always watch lots of matches on television. Including special interest in those involving Bayer 04. "I wish the new coach Gerardo Seoane much success and I'd be very happy if Bayer 04 make it back to the Champions League." He is always happy to remember the legendary 2001/02 campaign in the Champions League.
In edition five the Werkself Magazin, Toppi takes a detailed trip down memory lane. On his 70th birthday and the 20th anniversary of that special season, the interview is now online. Click HERE to access the interview
Standing on the pitch where the Werkself players perform - for many Bayer 04 club members, this wish became reality at this year's Members' kickabout. Around 400 active participants of all ages took the opportunity to experience the BayArena from a new and special perspective. And there was also plenty going on in the stands: The event attracted more than 1,000 visitors in total and provided an atmospheric end to the season.
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Lying third in the Bundesliga, the Werkself made a faltering start in 2026 after the winter break, but gradually rediscovered winning ways and, as in the previous campaign, were among the top 16 in Europe and the top four in the DFB Pokal. In the Bundesliga, the Werkself also remained in the race for Champions League qualification right to the end. However, because setbacks repeatedly crept into the Werkself's performances between good displays and crucial games, it was not quite enough to secure a UCL spot in the end. A season with many ups and downs brought sixth place and qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Part II of the review of the 2025/26 season.
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Rogier Meijer is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen and returning to his native Netherlands: The 44-year-old will take over at Eredivisie club Sparta Rotterdam on 1 July. Meijer has been part of the Werkself coaching set-up since the start of the 2025/26 season - first as assistant coach to Erik ten Hag, then on Kasper Hjulmand's staff.
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Following the final match of the 2025/26 season, the prevailing feeling was naturally one of disappointment after missing out on qualification for the Champions League. The Werkself finished the Bundesliga in sixth place, meaning they'll start the 2026/27 campaign in the Europa League. "But to talk negatively about everything now because of that would be wrong," stressed captain Robert Andrich following the final game, knowing that the past year at Bayer 04 was marked, more than almost any other, by the start of a new era and the courage to change – and in particular, the belief in a positive direction. Everyone was aware this process would need time. The first part of the 2025/26 season review.
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