
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."


Intercultural exchange: a youth team from Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso, visited Leverkusen in the last few days. The players and staff from AD DUHA FC enjoyed a varied programme including training, a friendly - and a very special experience on Saturday afternoon.
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The new eSports season is just around the corner. The VBL Club Championship by WOW starts on Thursday 15 October (from 18:00 CEST). And, as every year, here’s an overview: What changes are there? What is staying the same?
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Bayer 04 record-appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn invites you to another evening in the popular ‘Rudi lädt ein’ series: on Tuesday 10 November, in collaboration with Bayer AG, the focus will be on the Nazi period. The focus will be on football, Bayer 04 and the city of Leverkusen.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.
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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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