The successor to Bosz as head coach is Hannes Wolf to the end of the current season. The 39-year-old joins Bayer 04 from the German Football Association (DFB) where he was working as the Germany U18 coach. Wolf will be supported at Leverkusen by assistant coach Peter Hermann.
"Given the developments on the pitch over recent weeks, we have come to the conclusion we can no longer avoid parting company with Peter Bosz," explained sporting managing director Rudi Völler. "The 3-0 defeat at Hertha Berlin on Sunday was unfortunately indicative with our team again and again falling into the same pattern. We have not managed to stop making repetitive mistakes and get back to winning ways. After an objective and very open analysis of the sporting situation we have therefore agreed to make the break in spite of our great appreciation for Peter Bosz," said Völler.
"With the new coaches we want to turn a corner and get back on track," declared sporting director Simon Rolfes. "Hannes Wolf has performed impressively with big clubs as a very young coach – particularly impressive was the promotion to the Bundesliga with VfB Stuttgart. Hannes represents a style of football we want to play at Bayer 04: intense, offensive, aggressive, attractive. And, of course, successful – our European ambitions are still alive and we are in a Europa League spot in sixth place at the moment and we want to hold onto that at least," Rolfes made clear. "We are convinced we can achieve that with Hannes Wolf and Peter Hermann."
"I'm very happy about the confidence shown in me," declared Wolf, "Bayer 04 are not just any old club for me. Leverkusen has for many years been one of the most attractive clubs in German football. There is great ambition here and a very talented, exciting team. We have every opportunity of qualifying for Europe. It's down to us in the remaining eight games to achieve the maximum for Bayer 04 Leverkusen."
Wolf will be assisted by Peter Hermann. The signing of the 69-year-old is special as Hermann has already been at Bayer 04 for 29 years as a player, assistant and caretaker coach. "Peter's special strength is working with young players and we've got a number of them. As a player, I enjoyed our years together here at Leverkusen and I learned a lot from him," explained sporting director Rolfes. Hermann's view: "I've come full circle. I'm back here where my football career really took off and where I feel at home. I'll be happy if I can help the club."
New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.
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With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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