On the return of Xabi Alonso, the mayor of San Sebastian, Eneko Goia, introduced the 2010 Spanish World Cup winner. Alonso and Javier García, president of the Fundación Columbus, fielded questions from media. We bring you the key statements from the Bayer 04 head coach.
Xabi Alonso on...
…the background to the game: We are united for a good cause. I encourage everybody to come along as the reason for this match is very special. We will help a lot of families with the proceeds from the game. Help to change the lives of a lot of children. It's a day to party.
...the meeting with Real Sociedad: A lot of people will be coming to the game who I know from my time here. I've shared a lot with them, they are very close to my heart. They are building a great project here, which is admired throughout the world, and they are doing that with lots of energy. I'm very much looking forward to seeing them all again.
...the sporting aspect of the clash: We are in the preseason exactly as are La Real We want to approach this friendly so that everybody can play. And we want to win it.
…the club Real Sociedad: I really learned a lot in my three years here as coach. Now I'm able to implement my knowledge at a big club like Bayer 04 with an outstanding team. Lots of players in the reserve side, who I trained here a year ago, have made the step up to the first team. It's a good team full of energy. The club has made impressive progress in recent years.
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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Bayer 04 Leverkusen has a new coffee partner. The club has agreed a long-term partnership with the Bocholt-based roastery Imping, running to 30 June 2031. The exclusive partnership with the family-run business includes the installation of fully automatic coffee machines at the BayArena, as well as the right to supply and serve coffee products in the business areas during Werkself home games.
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Plenty going on both on and off the pitch: The Bayer 04 fan support team has organised a number of highlights for fans visiting the Werkself 2026/27 summer training camp in Blankenhain, in the Weimarer Land region. Registration for the events is now open. All the details at a glance.
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The Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s team and s2-Software are continuing their long-term partnership: The Werkself and the provider of pre-owned Microsoft licences have extended their contract by two years to 2028. This means s2-Software will remain the Bayer 04 sleeve sponsor for all matches in the Google Pixel Women’s Bundesliga.
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BIOGENA is the new performance partner for the Bayer 04 Leverkusen Women’s team. Under a partnership initially set to run for three years, the club and the leading Austrian micronutrient company are pooling their expertise in the areas of health, fitness and top-level performance.
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