Jens, you were named as an honorary captain at the home game against RB Leipzig in front of a full house at the BayArena. What does that moment mean to you?
Nowotny: The reaction of the fans and the chants at the stadium made me very happy. I see it as a great honour to be called on to join the group of honorary captains. At the same time, that also brings the responsibility to represent and set as an example the values and principles of Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Of course, you too will have followed the Werkself last season with great delight. When did you realise that it would be enough to produce such great success?
Nowotny: From my perspective, the matchdays immediately after the winter break were incredibly important. I was keen to see how Bayer 04 and the other teams would get on. After the sometimes very narrow but victorious games at Augsburg and Leipzig, at home to Gladbach and then at Darmstadt I first had the thought: Yes, we can really do it. That thought was finally confirmed after the victory against Bayern Munich.
What are you most looking forward to at the start of this season?
Nowotny: I will just enjoy carrying on watching Bayer 04 at this extremely high level backed up by the big wins. I just want to watch good football and I'm confident that wish will be fulfilled.
Let's come to the trophy tour to New York City, which you are doing together with Fernando Carro. You will present the trophies to the Bayer colleagues in North America.
Nowotny: From our trip to Asia with Bayer 04 many years ago, I can still remember how surprised the locals were that we had a Veterans team. (He laughs) The fact is: With a trip like that you can significantly increase the profile of Bayer 04 worldwide in the Bayer Group and also far beyond it. I'm very much looking forward to the meetings and experiences over there.
Will you also have some free time in the breathtaking metropolis? What do you definitely want to see in New York City?
Nowotny: I'll take it as it comes and let myself be inspired. I want to represent Bayer 04 as best as possible together with Fernando Carro and give the people over there an insight into the world of the club. At some point I will definitely come back to New York with my wife to see more of the city. (He laughs)
Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen on the 26th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
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Bayer 04 Women have finished in fifth place after the best Bundesliga season in the club's history in terms of points. Roberto Pätzold's side went down 3-1 at home to SV Werder Bremen on the final matchday. With 46 points and 15 wins, they've bettered the previous record campaign of 2024/25. Despite periods of pressure, Cornelia Kramer's 73rd-minute strike was not enough at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, and the Werkself miss out on European qualification despite a strong end to the season.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed a conract extension with home-grown talent Sofie Zdebel by a further year ahead of schedule. The 21-year-old Germany U23 international will stay at the club until 30 June 2028.
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After the final whistle in the home match against Hamburger SV, it showed once again that the Bayer 04 community sticks together. The team thanked the fans for their great support in a season with highs and lows and a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga. The Black and Reds will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season. The last Werkself review in 2025/26 has all the analysis.
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Bayer 04 could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Hamburg in the final game of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season as they finish in sixth place and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Patrik Schick missed a first-half penalty before Fabio Vieira put the visitors ahead on the hour. Jarell Quansah’s deflected header in the 79th minute earned a point to finish the campaign.
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