Isabel Kerschowski is coming full circle: The Berliner joined Bayer 04 from Turbine Potsdam in 2012. That was followed by a spell at VfL Wolfsburg (2014-18) and finally a return to the Werkself. The defender is now heading home to Potsdam. The move is not easy for the 33-year-old, “at the end of the day it was a decision of the heart. I can get back to my wife and family and end my playing days where it all started,” Kerschowski said in explaining her decision. “I’ll leave with a smile on my face and a tear in my eye. I’ve always really felt at home here. It’s a great team and I’ve been able to help the side achieve our targets with my experience.”
After returning three years ago, the seven-time champion of Germany, five-time cup winner and Champions League winner and Olympic Gold winner in 2016 took up a leading role in the team and wore the captain’s armband. Then came a bitter blow after three games: The 21-cap Germany international suffered a torn cruciate and was out of action for a year. She fought her way back through great strength of will – ‘Isy’ was back to her best this season and did not miss a single match. She has made a total of 73 appearances for Leverkusen to date.
“We can fully understand Isy’s wish to return home to her family. When she returned in 2018, she wanted to help the team establish themselves again after promotion to the Bundesliga. Even though her plan was disrupted by the serious injury, it work out looking back and we’re very grateful about that,” said Linda Schöttler, women’s team general manager at Bayer 04. “We will definitely miss her experience and her personality.”
Henrietta Csiszár is also leaving the club at the end of her contract after five years in a black and red shirt. The Hungary international was one of leaders in the Bayer 04 team in her first season. At times, she did lead the team onto the pitch as vice-captain. After relegation to the second division in 2017/18, Csiszár remained loyal to the club and went on to play a key role in getting promoted to the top-flight again. The experienced 27-year-old, with 109 appearances for the Werkself, wants to take the next step in her carrier and is considering a move abroad.
“I’d like to thank the club and the team for five unforgettable years. It was a tough decision for me as I’ve experienced loads of great moments here – such as going straight back up, staying up two years ago and the matches as captain. It was a great honour for me. I wish the team all the best and lots of success in the future,” said Csiszár.
“Heni developed incredibly here with us. She played a crucial role – both on and off the pitch in the overall development of our team. After five years at Bayer 04 we can understand her desire to take on a new challenge. We’ll be sad to see her go and we wish her all the best,” said Schöttler.
Today sees Bayer 04 go head-to-head with their next direct rivals in the race for Champions League qualification (kick-off 15:30 CEST). Opponents Stuttgart are currently fifth in the table, level on points with the Werkself but one place below them due to a three-goal inferior goal difference. The Black and Reds' record at Bad Cannstatt tells a clearer story: they've not lost at VfB for over 16 years. One important factor in securing what would be three crucial points away from home is Leverkusen's strength on the counter-attack. Whilst Stuttgart are also extremely dangerous going forward, they will be without their captain. Today’s matchday news.
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Another showdown in the race for the Champions League places takes place in Swabia: on Saturday 9 May (kick-off 15:30 CEST), the Werkself visit VfB Stuttgart, who are only behind on goal difference. In his pre-match press conference, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about confidence, excitement and mentality.
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Reinforcement in attack: Bayer 04 Leverkusen have secured the transfer of striker Maja Sternad from Bundesliga rivals SV Werder Bremen. The 22-year-old has signed a contract until 30 June 2028.
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It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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