Numerous friends, acquaintances and contemporaries from national and international football came together on Thursday to bid farewell to legendary coach Christoph Daum. In addition to Rolfes that included the DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, DFB sporting director Rudi Völler, the long-serving Leverkusen managing director Reiner Calmund, Alexander Wehrle (VfB Stuttgart chairman of the board), Werner Wolf (FC Köln president), Michael Meier (former managing director at FC Köln and sporting director at Bayer 04), Pierre Littbarski (1990 World Cup winner), Cem Özdemir (German Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture), Ali Koç (Fenerbahce president) and Kaan Şakul (Besiktas general secretary).
There was brilliant sunshine over the stadium punctually for the start of the event at 15.30 CEST. A large canvas in the centre circle depicting Daum lay next to flags of his former clubs Bayer 04, FC Köln and VfB Stuttgart. Many of Daum's contemporaries gave emotional eulogies, DFB president Neuendorf spoke of "one of the most colourful and exciting characters in German football.".
Music was provided by, amongst others, the Höhner, who sang their famous song ‘Gute Fründe’ in German and Turkish, and the Turkish Chamber Orchestra and Choir.
The UEFA Youth League adventure begins! Ahead of the first match in the league phase at Feyenoord on Thursday 19 September (kick-off 14:00 CEST), U19 head coach Sergi Runge spoke about two successful dress rehearsals and important experiences for the development of the players. The game at the Stadion Varkenoord will be streamed live and for free on bayer04.de, in the Bayer 04 app and on Werkself-TV.
Show moreAlong with Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, Feyenoord have for many years been amongst the top three clubs in Dutch football. After winning the league title for the 16th time in the club's history year ago, Feyenoord finished last season as runners-up. Now the club from the port city face the champions of Germany on matchday one in the UEFA Champions League 2024/25. Bayer 04 can expect a rough ride at the cauldron of the De Kuip stadium on Thursday, 19 September (kick-off: 18.45 CEST). The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 Women's team play newly promoted Turbine Potsdam in the Round of 16 in the DFB Pokal. That was the outcome of the draw held on Monday night. The match will be played between 22 and 24 November with details to be confirmed.
Show moreBayer 04 host Elversberg in the second round of the 2024/25 DFB Pokal on Tuesday, 29 October (6pm CET). Here’s all you need to know about getting tickets for the game at the BayArena.
Show moreIn summer 2024, Bayer 04 launched the ‘B04eAcademy unterm Kreuz’ in cooperation with the Academy of eSports. The project offers two up-and-coming console players weekly coaching and the chance to prove themselves in the #B04eSports squad, and emphasises the commitment to education and talent development in eSports.
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