Simon, you have a somewhat different international break over the coming days. What are the aims of the Trophy Tour?
Rolfes: Last season was special for us. Our task now is to use that success to strengthen our club in important markets across the world, increase awareness of us, and, of course, grow as a club at the end of the day. The Trophy Tour also makes it possible to engage with fans and partners of Bayer 04 all over the world on a personal level. At the same time, we are ambassadors for the whole of the Bundesliga and we want to fulfil this role as best we can.
Why Brazil as a destination?
Rolfes: The Brazilian way of playing football, their passion and love for football have always fascinated and attracted Bayer 04. That's also why there has been a historic link for decades with Brazilian players who have played for Bayer 04 like Paulo Sergio, Lucio, Zé Roberto, Jorginho and in recent times Wendell, Paulinho - and now Arthur. Brazil is a very interesting target market for us. Bayer AG is already very well represented here and has thousands of employees in São Paulo alone who work on a big campus. I'm looking forward to getting to meet many of them.
What events are planned?
Rolfes: It will be quite a busy week. Together with my colleague Kim Falkenberg (Head of Recruitment at Bayer 04, ed.) we will be at an employee event organised by Bayer South America. In addition, we will visit the German Chamber of Foreign Trade and we will have a training session with children at a German school in São Paulo. On top of that, there are a lot of media events. Of course, we will always have the trophies with us. (He laughs)
Will Arthur be on the tour as a Brazilian?
Rolfes: Unfortunately he can't be with us. He will be training in Leverkusen. It's important for me to mention: When Arthur contributed to winning trophies last season he also won something for all the Brazilians who have played for our club over the years. They all helped establish the path we are now on.
Have you ever played in Brazil?
Rolfes: Unfortunately not.
Who do you think is the best Brazilian footballer to play for Bayer 04?
Rolfes: We've had so many different, brilliant players and characters here. I had the opportunity to play alongside Renato Augusto for several years. His style of play was very flexible. He began as a young professional in attacking midfield and later played in a more a more defensive role. Renato was incredibly strong technically and dangerous in front of goal and his tactical ability grew with increasing experience. A great player.
Could other players from Brazil play for the Black and Reds in the future?
Rolfes: Definitely. Given our positive experience to date, I don't know why not.
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.
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Assistant coach Remzi Kahraman is leaving the Bayer 04 Women’s team with immediate effect to take up a new challenge abroad. The club has agreed to the 31-year-old’s request to leave, although his contract was originally due to run until 2027. A decision on his successor will be announced shortly.
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At the U19 European Championship in Wales, the Germany U19 national team lost their third and final group match 4-0 to Spain. Several regulars, including Bayer 04 players Montrell Culbreath and Francis Onyeka (on loan to SV Elversberg), who had combined for four goals and assists in the two previous victories, did not feature,. Germany had already secured their place in the semi-finals with a game to spare.
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Two weeks into the preseason, the Bayer 04 Women have secured their first victory. Coach Roberto Pätzold’s team won their first friendly 2–0 against Bundesliga newcomers Mainz 05. In front of 160 spectators at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, the two summer signings, Maja Sternad (80’) and Justine Brandau (90’), scored for the Black and Reds.
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