Bayer Leverkusen will not compete in the Champions League next season. On the last Bundesliga matchday, the Werkself no longer made it past Borussia Mönchengladbach and thus at least missed the qualification for the premier class over the Bundesliga. It’s understandable that after the setback there was also the question of whether that would reduce the chances of top talent Kai Havertz remaining. Managing Director Sport Rudi Völler was combative after the 0-2 defeat at Hertha BSC: “One definitely has nothing to do with the other”said the 60-year-old: “And theoretically, we can still get into the Champions League if we win the Europa League.”
Indeed: The final tournament in August on the doorstep in North Rhine-Westphalia, Bayer has formulated by trainer Peter Bosz, also offers “an extra opportunity” for the premier class. The tournament winner will buy the ticket. Völler had already made it clear that Havertz would still play for Bayer regardless of a fundamental change. “Of course it won’t be easy,” said Bosz to the prospects. “But we have shown that we have a good team.”
50 former Bayer Leverkusen players – and what became of them
Dimitar Berbatow, Bernd Schneider, Michael Ballack: They all laced up their shoes for Bayer 04 for years. But what happened to these and other former Werkself players? The SPORTBUZZER shows 50 ex-professionals from Bayer Leverkusen – and what they’re doing today.
©
National player Havertz is one of the most coveted young players in Europe and has sparked the interest of numerous top clubs. His strong season (12 goals, 6 assists in the Bundesliga) recently fueled rumors that he could leave Leverkusen this summer despite a contract by 2022. Again SPORTBUZZER reported exclusively, Champions League record winner Real Madrid has already made an offer for Havertz, which was below the 100 million euros requested by Leverkusen. Havertz himself is said to favor a move to the Spanish capital.
