Wolf: ‘Approach the run-in with loads of energy’

“They were special days. The approach from Bayer 04 was really unexpected. However, I was quickly as keen as mustard – also with the idea of being ‘on loan’. At this point, thanks go to the DFB in particular who quickly made it possible for me to accept this challenge,” said the new Werkself coach, who was the Germany U18 coach up to this point (click HERE for the press release). Hannes Wolf will give up this function at the DFB for the time being as he takes over the helm at the Black and Reds. The coach who secured promotion to the Bundesliga for VfB Stuttgart: “Now it’s about being successful in the remaining eight games.”

The club management have not ruled out an extension to the contract beyond the summer. Sporting director Simon Rolfes: “We initially focussed on finding the best solution for the these eight weeks. We’ll take our time to see what happens up to the summer and then look at taking the next step.”

Wolf: This is an 800 metre race

The new Werkself head coach found a suitable verbal image: “A season is normally a marathon,” said Wolf. “This is an 800 metre race.”

Wolf will have the support of the veteran coach Peter Hermann as his assistant at Bayer 04. The 69-year-old can look back at 29 years at Leverkusen as a player, assistant and caretaker coach. Wolf on working his future assistant: “I’m very happy with the great depth of his experience. I think it all really goes well together.”

First training session on Wednesday

Wolf starts his role at Leverkusen with a clear plan: “We need two things now: The players have to quickly find the energy again to rediscover their ease and strength. And we need a good balance on the pitch between defence and attack. We’ll work on all these things now.” The first training session under the new head coach is set for Wednesday and there will be daily training sessions up to Saturday.

After a short break on Sunday, the start of next week will bring preparations for the Bundesliga home game against Schalke 04 on Sunday 4 April (kick-off: 15.30 CEST). Time enough for Wolf to get to know his new squad. “We’ll set about it with energy but also with caution,” said the new head coach.

Völler and Rolfes thank Bosz

As part of the press conference, sporting managing director Rudi Völler and sporting director Simon Rolfes shared their thoughts on Wolf’s predecessor Peter Bosz. The 57-year-old Dutchman started at the Werkself in December 2018 and took them to the Champions League in 2019 and the DFB Cup final in 2020. Völler: “Peter is a great person and coach and nobody doubts his abilities. Even with all our appreciation for him, given the development over the last two and a half months, we the board have come to the conclusion there is no alternative to parting company.”

Sporting director Rolfes added: “I’d like to say a big thank you to Peter Bosz for his work with us. We had a successful time together. Unfortunately, the development and results over the last three months were very disappointing. Therefore, it is essential to make changes. Now we are convinced we have made the right adjustments in the new situation and we can help the team achieve the momentum to reach our targets.”