“Friederike has impressed us with her strength in communicating with the players. She will act as a good link between the coach and the team,” said Achim Feifel, Bayer 04 Women’s team sporting director: “Her experience with the eldest youth players at a very good level demonstrates her assertiveness and clear direction.”
The incoming first team coach arrives as successor to the Dutch coach Jessie van den Broek, whose contract finished at the end of last season. Mehring has worked for the last four years with different age groups at the North East Regional League club SV Babelsberg 03 and was U19 assistant coach last term.
Between 2010 and 2013, the former Germany U16 international played for the second team at FFC Turbine Potsdam in the Bundesliga North 2 where she won the league title in 2011/2012 and was also in the first team squad. She ended her playing career with four years as the goalkeeper at the Hofstra University in New York where she also gained her Bachelor degree in International Business.
“Friederike completely impressed us in our discussions both from a sporting and personal perspective. She has a wealth of experience and, like me, places great value on the continuing development of young players,” said Pätzold: “At the same time, she is a confident personality with clear values.”
“In getting to know the management here I immediately felt a very positive personal connection,” said Mehring: “I’m looking forward to the first block of the preseason full of anticipation and commitment to be able make the most of the top facilities and the professional framework for the development of the young players.”
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended midfielder Noah Mbamba’s contract by twelve months and sent the Belgian U21 international on loan to France. At FC Lorient, the 21-year-old – whose contract at Leverkusen now runs to 30 June 2029 – is set to gain playing time in Ligue 1 and, through strong performances and further development, put himself in the running for a future place in the Werkself squad.
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Spurred on by a flawless hat-trick from Cornelia Kramer, the Bayer 04 women’s team won their penultimate pre-season friendly in commanding fashion. As part of the season launch, the Werkself beat Dutch top-flight side Feyenoord 7–0. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium, Kramer (6’, 25’, 45’), Sofie Zdebel (47’), Maja Sternad (59'), Natasha Kowalski (83') and Vanessa Fudalla (86') scored the goals for coach Roberto Pätzold’s side.
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The Shareholders’ Committee of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH has extended the contracts of the two managing directors, Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes, ahead of schedule. The CEO, Fernando Carro (62), will continue in his role until 30 June 2029, and managing director sport Simon Rolfes (44) will remain in post until 30 June 2031.
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There’s plenty for Bayer 04 fans to enjoy both on and off the pitch at the official 2026 season launch. In addition to the women’s team taking on Feyenoord at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium at 13:15 CEST and the men’s team facing Sevilla at the BayArena at 15:30 CEST, fans of all ages can enjoy a range of activities – and get to meet Bayer 04 players and former players in the process. The Fanwelt is also offering a special promotion: buy a new shirt and get free printing! Here’s an overview of everything you need to know about the season launch, including the live streams.
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