"Patrik Schick has had a fantastic season and shown his world-class ability in his position. There are few centre-forwards of his calibre on the European stage," said sporting director Simon Rolfes on the long-term extension to the current successful partnership. "In addition to Patrik's exceptional sporting qualities as a complete striker he also has the abilities of a leader to provide stability and guidance to a team on the pitch. The contract extension with a player of his quality underlines the ambition we all have under the Bayer Cross."
Rudi Völler was very committed to the signing of the 6 foot 3 striker two years ago when he was at Völler’s former club AS Roma after a loan deal at RB Leipzig. And the current contract extension with the top goalscorer in last year's European Championships has seen the departing sporting managing director provide full support for Rolfes. "Agreeing a new deal with a player like that is an expression of our ambition and a clear sign that Bayer 04 Leverkusen want to remain at the top level after my departure. That's exactly what I promised at the stadium on the final Bundesliga matchday," said Völler who hands over to Rolfes on 1 July. "For me, Patrik Schick is one of the best centre-forwards in the world at the moment. He knows he has great teammates here who set him up from all angles and enable him to express his strengths," said Völler. “I'm looking forward to seeing him in a Werkself shirt in the coming years."
The Prague-born striker Schick, who has scored 17 goals for the Czech Republic in 33 internationals, has settled down in Leverkusen over the past two years. "I feel really good here," said the 26-year-old, "our team is a promise for the future above all. It's huge fun being with these lads and we are really determined to achieve something. Qualification for the Champions League is a good next step. There are lots of possibilities here so that's why I've extended my deal at Bayer 04."
Fans at the BayArena got to enjoy a spectacle on Wednesday as the Werkself came from behind to beat Nürnberg 5-2 in the DFB Pokal. Now with the sixth home game of the season, can Bayer 04 maintain their perfect record in Leverkusen as VfB Stuttgart come to town in the Bundesliga on Saturday (15:30 CET)? The visitors have had issues domestically this term, sitting in 15th place, although they have had much better results in the UEFA Champions League. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 8 encounter…
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Three days after the spectacular comeback in the DFB Pokal tie against FC Nürnberg (5–2), the Werkself face their next challenge in the Bundesliga. On Saturday, 31 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET), Bayer 04 host VfB Stuttgart, currently 15th in the table, at the BayArena. Ahead of the match, Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about important factors in preparing for this next game given a tight fixture list.
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Despite VfB Stuttgart performing well in the Champions League, they are facing a difficult spell early on in the Bundesliga. Three days after their last-minute victory in the DFB Pokal at SC Paderborn 07, the Swabians can now take to the pitch at the BayArena with greater confidence on Saturday, 31 October (kick-off: 15:30 CET). The lowdown on our next opponents.
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A special afternoon at the Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp: At the Liga 20 indoor football centre, in the shadow of the BayArena, two Werkself women’s team players led a training session. Loreen Bender and Selina Ostermeier not only offered the young players advice and support, but also got stuck in themselves.
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