Leverkusen coach Schmidt pens three-year contract extension
Leverkusen - Having secured UEFA Champions League qualification in his first season in charge, Bayer 04 Leverkusen head coach Roger Schmidt has committed his long-term future to the club after putting pen to paper on a three-year contract extension on Thursday.
‘Bayer 04 and Roger Schmidt - it just works’
Schmidt’s current deal was due to run out at the end of next season, but after guiding the Werkself to a top-four finish, the club were keen to lay down a foundation that would allow the 48-year-old to further develop his side.
Having joined from Red Bull Salzburg last summer, Schmidt wasted little time in settling into his new surroundings and now believes that both he and his new brand of football can lead to positive results in the long-term. ”Over the course of my first year here, it quickly became apparent that Bayer 04 Leverkusen are a club for whom I can, and want to, work with for a long time. We’re find ourselves at the start of an evolution and have a young team with huge potential and a superb team spirit. I’m really looking forward to, with the help of my coaching team, further that development process in the coming years.”
Sporting director Rudi Völler praised Schmidt’s “calm and composed” manner, while CEO Michael Schade highlighted the tactical approach Schmidt had implemented in a successful debut campaign. “Roger Schmidt more than fulfilled our sporting hopes and expectations in his very first year. The attacking, attractive playing style of our team bears his signature. Bayer 04 Leverkusen now stands for a style that creates a furore and receives a lot of recognition both nationally and internationally. Bayer 04 and Roger Schmidt - it just works!”
