
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.

In glorious sunshine and temperatures of around 30 degrees Celsius, the Bayer 04 Women have begun their preparations for the new season. With a relaxed first session at the Kurtekotten training centre, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team became the first Bundesliga side to resume training after a 37-day break.
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Black and Red stand out. Under the slogan ‘Diversity under the Cross’, Bayer 04 took part in Pride on the Rhine at the weekend alongside the queer fan club “Bayer 04 Junxx”. The club mascot, Brian the Lion, and several members of staff were also in attendance, championing diversity and solidarity.
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Centre-back Melissa Friedrich is set to remain at Bayer 04 for another year. The longest-serving player in the squad, who joined the club in 2016, has extended her contract to 2027.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed Portugal U21 international Afonso Moreira. The 21-year-old winger joins the club from French top-flight side Olympique Lyon on a contract to 30 June 2031. In France last year, the left-winger made 37 appearances in Ligue 1, the Coupe de France and the UEFA Europa League, scoring a total of eight goals and providing eleven assists.
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