U19 opener behind closed doors at Kurtekotten
The Bayer 04 U19s will play their first competitive match of the new season in the U19 Bundesliga behind closed doors at the Kurtekotten Academy.
Sunday, 20 September (kick-off: 11.00 CET) is the start: After a break of almost six months, the most senior Werkself youth team return to league action. Borussia Mönchengladbach are the visitors for the opening match at Leverkusen. The Rhineland clash will be played at Kurtekotten, but – as with the Women’s opener in the Bundesliga – the game will be played behind closed doors. Only the nearest and dearest of both teams will be at the match.
“Duty of care to the fans”
“The facilities at Kurtekotten are different from those at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. We would really like our fans to have the chance to support the U19s,” said Thomas Eichin, head of the youth section at Bayer 04. “But we have to adhere to the hygiene protocols. We continue to have a duty of care to the fans.”
The youth section at Bayer 04 is regularly in contact with the regional health authorities and the club’s medical section. “We are continuing to work on a plan to enable our fans to hopefully be allowed to watch football again at Kurtekotten under strict adherence to the hygiene regulations,” said Slawomir Czarniecki, head of coordination between the first team and the youth section at Bayer 04.
All information on future home games at the Academy will be announced via the club platforms.
Related News
Bayer 04 - 08.06.2026
Culbreath in Germany squad for U19 Euros - Onyeka also called up
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
Werkself-TV - 05.06.2026
First interview with Carles Martìnez as Leverkusen head coach
Carles Martìnez is raring to go. The 42-year-old speaks in his first interview in Leverkusen about the club's development to date and how he wants to build on it. He describes his previous work in France, Kuwait, Qatar and his native Barcelona, his experience in developing young players, and the key steps between now and the start of pre-season training.
Show more
Werkself-TV - 05.06.2026
Carles Martínez: 'The fans should enjoy our football'
New Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez has arrived in Leverkusen! At midday on Friday, the 42-year-old spoke in a press conference at the BayArena about his philosophy and his aims. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes also discussed the reasons for appointing the former Toulouse boss.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026
Carles Martínez Novell is new Bayer 04 head coach
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have appointed Carles Martínez Novell as the new head coach. The 42-year-old Spaniard worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. Martínez finished last term in ninth place with the club from the south of France. He will take over the Werkself on 1 July 2026 and has signed a contract to 30 June 2028. Martínez, whose contract with Toulouse expires at the end of the month, succeeds Kasper Hjulmand at Leverkusen, who is leaving the club after one season.
Show more
Bayer 04 - 04.06.2026
Profile of Bayer 04 head coach Carles Martínez Novell
Welcome to Leverkusen, Carles Martínez Novell. Bayer 04 have appointed the 42-year-old Spaniard as the new head coach on a contract to 2028. Martínez most recently worked for FC Toulouse in the French Ligue 1 until the end of the season. He previously spent four years at Barcelona's legendary academy La Masia in his home city. Bayer04.de introduces Martínez in more detail.
Show more
