Wolf takes over from Bosz – Hermann returns

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.

Rolfes: European ambitions still alive

"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."

Hermann: I've come full circle

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."