Bayer 04 released Metaxas (pictured above with Markus von Ahlen) from his role as coach with the U17 to U19 teams after an official approach from Darmstadt on Friday evening. Together with the previous Bochum U19 coach Grammozis, Metaxas is expected to help the Lilies move up from the bottom third of the table.
"Iraklis Metaxas has done a brilliant coaching job with us along with Markus von Ahlen, Patrick Weiser and Jan Hoepner," declared sporting director Simon Rolfes. "It's recognition of that work and a great chance for Iraklis to be able to show his qualities at such an established pro club in the second division," added Rolfes. And Helmut Jungheim, as director of the Leverkusen Academy added, "IIraklis has contributed a lot of ideas as an experienced and proficient coach over the past two and a half years. We will make a decision about his successor in the next few days."
For Metaxas, the move to Darmstadt represents the next step in his coaching career. "I had a great time at Leverkusen. I'd like to thank everybody involved for all the great work we've done together and I wish Bayer 04 every success both at the first team and youth levels."
The highly successful and mutually appreciated partnership between Bayer 04 and head coach Xabi Alonso ends after two and a half years. The 43-year-old Spaniard has led the Werkself to three trophies. Above all, winning the first German league title in the club's history will always be associated with the name of Xabi Alonso. The former world class player, who won many hearts in Leverkusen as a person, now says farewell to Bayer 04. We look back at a fantastic time with the Basque who fulfilled the biggest dream of all Bayer 04 fans together with an outstanding team.
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A few weeks ago Borussia Dortmund were marooned in mid-table mediocrity in the Bundesliga. Then the Black and Yellows started a run that overcame all comers. And suddenly a Champions League spot was again within reach. BVB will be looking to take the next step towards the big target at the BayArena on Sunday, 11 May (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). Coach Niko Kovac has almost his full squad available. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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A cracker of a semi-final at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The Bayer 04 U19 team entertain Bayern Munich on Saturday, 10 May (kick-off: 11:00 CEST/stadium opens: 10:00 CEST). In front of a home crowd, the team led by head coach Sergi Runge, who welcomes back an attacking player, is looking to build on the battling performances from the previous knockout games and "perform at the right moment." Tickets are available from the Bayer 04 online shop and the game will also be broadcast live on Sky.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen will be the first Bundesliga club to open and operate a football academy in Brazil. The "Bayer 04 Football Academy São Paulo," led by Bayer 04 club legend Paulo Sérgio, will be established on the Bayer Brazil campus in São Paulo and accommodate up to 300 children and youth ages 5 to 15.
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