…the importance of the final to Bayer 04: We've worked hard over the whole season to compete in three competitions and to finally get through to a cup final again after many years. The Bundesliga season has just finished. It was a good campaign in the league for us with a high number of points and a lot of good performances – but it wasn't very good otherwise we would have finished third or fourth. Now we are looking forwards and are happy to be in the running for a title. At the end of the season, we have two big highlights ahead of us with the cup final and the Europa League – normally only FC Bayern in Germany know that feeling.
…the cup final opponents from Munich: Under Hansi Flick, Bayern don't let you play your own game with their quick and aggressive pressing in most matches. So you know more or less what to expect. But it's not always possible to prevent that at this world-class level. We definitely need to take the chances we create. The fact is: When you play against Bayern – whether it's in the Bundesliga or in the cup final – every player from number one to eleven, plus the substitutes, has to produce a top performance.
…chances of winning the cup: Bayern are the clear favourites and they fully deserved to win their eighth league title in succession. Over the same period, they have "only" won the cup four times. That shows a lot is possible in one game. Of course, everything has to work against this team and everyone has to push themselves beyond their limits – but it is possible to beat them.
…the delegation from Bayer 04: The numbers are significantly down this year due to coronavirus. Normally, nearly all full-time staff would be in Berlin but now it's mainly the shareholders committee led by Werner Wenning. It was also important to us and FC Bayern that players who appear from time to time but are not in the squad for Saturday are allowed to sit in the stands.
…the crowded fixture list during the coronavirus pandemic: The situation is very stressful for everybody involved. But this is an unusual time due to the pandemic that you have to accept and deal with.
…the absence of spectators at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin: Basically, we are all happy to be able to play again and stage the cup final. Of course, our fans won’t be there. After the many years, the final at the Olympic Stadium would have been an absolute highlight. Unfortunately we can't all experience it. But we have thought up some great ideas for the fans about how they can best support the team on Saturday. And hopefully in the end go on to win the second cup title in the history of Bayer 04.
A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.
Show more
On Monday evening, 8 June, around 250 people came to the Bürgerhaus Baumberg at the invitation of Bayer 04 to find out details of the new plans for the campus on Alfred-Nobel-Straße at an information event. More compact, greener and with many advantages for Monheim am Rhein - those are the aims. There were lively discussions for around three hours and some misunderstandings were cleared up.
Show more
Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and Bayer 04 loanee Francis Onyeka are part of Germany's final squad for the U19 European Championships this summer. The tournament is in Wales from 24 June to 12 July.
Show more
When Malik Tillman arrived at Bayer 04 Leverkusen from PSV Eindhoven last summer, he did more than just add attacking midfield strength to the team — he reconnected the club with a unique and understated American lineage that stretches back more than three decades.
Show more
Bayer 04 are away to third-division club SV Wehen Wiesbaden in the first round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal. That was the outcome of the draw on Saturday night, 6 June, at the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The Werkself first round tie will be played between 21 and 24 August. The exact date has yet to be finalised.
Show more
