
How hopeful are you that spectators in NRW, and Leverkusen in particular, will soon be able to return to the grounds?
We have established the preconditions and we’re fighting for the return of fans. We have submitted a viable plan to the Leverkusen public health department and that has been well received. Now it’s down to the NRW state government and the local health authorities. The Federal Chancellor and the Minister Presidents have also set up a working party. We hope that they will be able to present a national solution as soon as possible so that we can play in front of more than 300 fans at the BayArena. We’re ready here at Bayer 04.
The states are allowing different numbers of spectators. Do you see that as competitive distortion?
That’s the wrong approach. We all want fans to return to the stadia. It’s just not the same without them. Therefore, I’m happy if individual states and authorities assume responsibility and take courageous decisions and thus send out positive signals for a normality that will benefit every club in the end
Have there been discussions with the DFL about all clubs playing behind closed doors until a single solution has been found for all the states?
The federal structure in Germany, which I’m very much in favour of, does not permit that at the moment. The DFL and all clubs are clear that the return of spectators has to done step-by-step. There are different regulations and we accept that. It’s much more important to do your own homework and be prepared as much as possible. We’ve done that and the feedback from health experts has been positive. We’re waiting for a green light from the politicians and we would want the courage for the coming weeks that others have already shown.

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen on the 26th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
Show more
Bayer 04 and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer have shown great commitment to the community as the sale of custom-designed T-shirts for charity in the Fanwelt as part of the “BarmeniaGothaer Brings Joy campaign raised a good €5,000. Bayer 04 matched this sum with an equal contribution. As a result, a total of €10,000 was presented to Edmond Tapsoba for his foundation ahead of the home match against Hamburg. The foundation supports people facing challenging daily circumstances in his home country of Burkina Faso.
Show more
Bayer 04 host Hamburg at the BayArena for the first time since September 2017 on the final day of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season on Saturday (15:30 CEST). HSV are safe in their first campaign back in the top flight after back-to-back wins, but Leverkusen are unbeaten in their last 19 games against promoted teams as they go for the victory they need to have a chance to qualify for the UEFA Champions League. There’s also heavy discounts on food and drinks at the BayArena. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 34 fixture in our matchday news.
Show more
As well as previously confirmed departures, Bayer 04 Women will also say goodbye to Vanessa Haim and Shen Menglu before Sunday’s final game of the season at home to Werder Bremen as the pair leave Leverkusen upon the expiration of their contracts.
Show more
The climax to a long season, emotional farewells and hopes of a major triumph: Bayer 04 Women face a thrilling final matchday in the Bundesliga. In the clash against SV Werder Bremen on Sunday, 17 May (kick-off: 14:00 CEST) at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, the Werkself could make history and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history – provided rivals Eintracht Frankfurt lose at home to 1. FC Union Berlin at the same time. Even setting aside the sporting context, it's set to be a special afternoon.
Show more