Bayer 04 Leverkusen — Overview (around 2016/17 season)

• Club name: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
• Country: Germany
• Stadium: BayArena, Leverkusen
• Head coach (around 2016/17): Roger Schmidt
• League: Bundesliga
• 2016/17 Bundesliga finish: 12th place
• DFB-Pokal 2016/17: Eliminated in the second round
• UEFA Europa League 2016/17: Knocked out in the Round of 32

Notable players (squad around 2016/17)

• Bernd Leno (goalkeeper)
• Javier Hernández “Chicharito” (forward)
• Hakan Çalhanoğlu (midfielder)
• Julian Brandt (winger/attacking midfielder)
• José Rodríguez / Kevin Kampl (midfielders — Kampl joined in 2017 summer transfer window)
• Jonathan Tah (central defender)
• Stefan Kießling (forward — veteran member, limited appearances)
• Xherdan Shaqiri (appeared on loan at times earlier — note: not a regular in 2016/17 squad)

Style under Roger Schmidt

• High-pressing, very intense off-the-ball work and quick transitions.
• Emphasis on rapid attacking combinations, vertical passing and wide play.
• Often deployed energetic full-backs and advanced midfielders to overload flanks.

Additional context

• Roger Schmidt managed Leverkusen from 2014 to 2017; the 2016/17 season was a difficult one compared with prior seasons, with injuries and inconsistent form contributing to a lower league finish.
• BayArena capacity is approximately 30,000; the club is known for developing young talent and playing attractive football.