"We have invited our first team players here today to show the team what Bayer is all about and what our company actually does. The team should experience our scientific work with all their senses today," explained communications director Sonja Diewerge.
The Bayer 04 players spent an hour in small groups finding out about the different work areas of Bayer AG via lectures, films and interactive exhibits. The workshops provided the opportunity to test body scanners or experiment using test tubes to determine pH values.
Heiko Herrlich and Kai Havertz additionally had the chance to get to know their bodies a bit better. With the help of Bayer employees, the Werkself head coach was able to identify his own DNA in an experiment. The youngster Kai Havertz slipped into a so-called ageing suit that enabled the 18-year-old to appreciate the typical limitations experienced by older people such as impaired vision or reduction in strength. In spite of the circumstances, Kai Havertz still showed his above-average talent by demonstrating his ball control.
With sixth place at the end of the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign, Bayer 04 ended a season in the top third of the table for the ninth time in a row. While the Werkself were narrowly eliminated in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 by eventual finalists Arsenal, the Black and Reds reached the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third season in succession. As in previous years, you once again have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app up to and including 11 June.
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With 46 points in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Bayer 04 Women’s team once again broke the previous season's club record and ended up in fifth place - 15 wins is also a record. As in previous years, you now have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. Voting is open exclusively to Bayer 04 Club members and only via the Bayer 04 app by 11 June.
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The guests at the Scala Club in Leverkusen were amazed when host Reiner Calmund suddenly brought the Managing Director of Sport at Bayer 04, Simon Rolfes, and record Werkself appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn onto the stage. As part of the show "An Evening with Football & Friends", organised by long-serving Bayer 04 managing director and general manager Calmund, the two surprise guests drew plenty of applause - and provided great entertainment in exciting conversations about the past and future.
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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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