"The U19s are of central importance for us in the transition from junior football to the first team squad. That's why we looked for a coach who has demonstrated his quality in both areas. In addition, he should share our approach to football: We want to play active and attractive football with our teams. Sven Hübscher meets all these requirements," explained Bayer 04 sporting director Simon Rolfes.
For Thomas Eichin, director of the youth section, the coach perfectly meets the job requirements. "At Schalke, he worked with the top coach Norbert Elgert and he was very successful with the teams he trained and he helped a lot of highly talented youngsters to gain a foothold in professional football. Beyond that, he's ambitious and a proven team player. We're convinced the U19s are in very good hands with him."
Following an ankle injury, Sven Hübscher started his career as a coach at an early age. When he was 20, he worked as a youth coach with DSC Wanne-Eickel and there he came to the attention of the management at Schalke 04. He joined the Royal Blues in 2000 where he was head and assistant coach with various youth teams. In 2013, he moved up to the first team with head coach Jens Keller and then supported Roberto di Matteo and André Breitenreiter as assistant coach. In July 2017, he moved on to Werder Bremen where he initially looked after the U17s and then the U23s. He was brought in as head coach at Preußen Münster in 2019/20 but his job with the third division club ended after six months.
"The challenge at Bayer 04 really appeals to me. For two decades, a large number of talented youngsters have been brought through to professional football at this Performance Centre," said Sven Hübscher. "I want to play my part in continuing that in the future."
Sven Hübscher will have the support of Slawomir Czarniecki. The 41-year-old started at Bayer 04 and 2000 as a youth coach and currently is the head of first team and youth coordination. The agreement initially runs to the summer of 2021.
The Nerazzurri are in town: Today, Tuesday 10 December, Bayer 04 entertain the reigning champions of Italy Inter Milan on Matchday 6 in the UEFA Champions League (kick-off: 21.00 CET/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). Read on for the latest information on the home game at the BayArena.
Show more
The Bayer 04 U19 team lost 1-0 to Inter Milan on the sixth and final matchday in the league phase of the UEFA Youth League 2024/25. The only goal of the game was scored just after the hour mark. While the side from North Italy have finished top in the league phase with a maximum points return, the Leverkusen team appeared to have just missed out on the knockout stages of the European competition. There is faint hope looking to several games to follow where results are needed to go the way of the Werkself.
Show more
Italian teams are known for being strong in defence. The fact that Inter Milan, the next opponents for the Werkself in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 10 December (kick-off: 20.45 CET), have not conceded a single goal in their last five matches is impressive. Will the visitors' keeper Yann Sommer be able to keep a clean sheet at the BayArena against Florian Wirtz and Co.? The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show more
The Werkself are away to Borussia Dortmund on Bundesliga Matchday 16. The game at the Signal Iduna Park on Friday, 10 January 2025, kicks off at 20.30 CET. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show more