
“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.”

The German Football Association (DFB) has officially recognised Bayer 04 as a centre for the development of female talent for the 2026/27 season. The club was awarded that role on 1 January 2026, and this status has now been renewed.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have sold young defender Andrea Natali to AZ Alkmaar on permanent terms. The 18-year-old Italian was on loan at the Dutch club last season, where he mainly played for the reserve team in the second division.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have loaned new signing Luca Erlein to newly promoted FC Energie Cottbus for the 2026/27 season. This will give him the opportunity to play in Bundesliga 2. The club signed the 19-year-old right-back on a permanent basis last week, on a contract to 30 June 2030.
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Trophies as a youth, appearances in the pro game and his first taste of international competition: new arrival Luca Erlein, who has been signed from TSG Hoffenheim, can already look back on some remarkable achievements and moments in his fledgling career. We take a closer look at the 19-year-old right-back, who can also fill other roles across the defensive line.
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