Bayer 04 Leverkusen has made a symbolic yet significant change that will mark a new era under Erik ten Hag. The club has officially moved the coaching bench back to the north side of the BayArena, a decision that hasn’t been seen since the days of Dragoslav Stepanović in the mid-1990s.
The move carries both historical resonance and practical reasoning. In the 1994/95 season, Stepanović, one of the most charismatic figures in the club’s history, relocated the bench to the south side. His motivation at the time was unconventional: he wanted to be closer to the assistant referee to influence decisions and have a stronger presence on the pitch. That bold step created a long tradition of the coaching staff being positioned on the southern side of the stadium.
However, the story of the bench’s position goes back even further. In March 1988, following the demolition of the old west stand, the club had first decided to move the coaching bench from west to north. At the time, the reason was purely logistical—players and staff had temporary dressing rooms located behind the north stand, making the shorter walk to the sidelines a practical necessity.
Now, nearly three decades later, Erik ten Hag has overseen the return to tradition. Unlike his predecessor Stepanović, his motivation is not about influencing referees but about building stronger ties with supporters. By moving to the north side, Ten Hag believes he can be closer to the fans who provide the team with their passionate energy week in and week out. The decision symbolizes a desire for unity between the club, the players, and the loyal fan base.
There is also a tactical element to the switch. Ten Hag has expressed that the assistant referee often stood too much in his line of sight on the south side, which he found distracting during matches. The relocation to the north promises a clearer view of the game and fewer obstructions, allowing the Dutchman to better direct his team from the sidelines.
For Leverkusen supporters, the move has been met with excitement. Many see it as a symbolic shift that emphasizes the club’s ongoing ambition under Ten Hag’s leadership. While the change of bench location may seem minor, its cultural and emotional significance makes it a memorable milestone in the story of Bayer 04.
