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.
The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
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The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
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Bayer 04’s eight opponents in the group stage of the 2026/27 UEFA Europa League have now been confirmed. During the draw on Friday 28 August at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, the Werkself were drawn against two opponents from each of the four pots. As usual, there will be a total of four home and four away matches. The group stage begins on 16/17 September.
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The Bundesliga is back. On Saturday 29 August (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg on matchday 1 of the new season. Ahead of the clash at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the importance of a successful start and the motivation of the league newcomers from the Saarland.
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On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
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