"The team has developed very well under Roberto's leadership. It was a brilliant success to be in the race for a Champions League spot up to the penultimate matchday of the season," said director of professional teams Thomas Eichin, who is also responsible for the Bayer 04 Women: "The team has exceeded our expectations also due to the clear style of play and many players have taken the next step in their careers. We want to build on that together and continue our common path with this coach."
"I feel really good at Leverkusen because I've received lots of confidence and great appreciation for my work and my approach as coach. The outlook for the club is exciting and demanding. I'm really looking forward to continuing to work on our joint, ambitious targets," said Pätzold. In his first season as coach he broke three club records since the start of Bundesliga membership back in 2010: 43 points, 13 wins and fourth place. "We want to permanently develop, repeat our performances and results and create a continuity and stability that makes us competitive with the teams who are currently above us," said the coach.
Pätzold started his work at Leverkusen in June 2024. For the qualified sports scientist, Bayer 04 is his first post in women's football. He previously worked with the men's team at FC Admira Wacker in the Austrian second division up to the end of 2022. The father of three daughters coached the U19 team at FC Ingolstadt from 2015 to 2021, as well as the men's second team temporarily between 2018 and 2021. He started his coaching career at different places as an association and development base coach.
As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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