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)
From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...
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A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.
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After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.
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As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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