Thursday 21 May 2015 13:30, UK
Bayer Leverkusen manager Roger Schmidt has signed a three-year contract extension until 2019.
Schmidt was a surprise choice when he took over in April 2014 but his exciting brand of attacking football quickly won over many fans in his first full season in charge.
And even though Leverkusen have missed out on automatic Champions League qualification this season, the 48-year-old has still extended his stay at the club.
"Roger Schmidt managed in the very first year of our cooperation to meet our sporting hopes and expectations," said club CEO Michael Schade in a statement.
"The open, attractive game of our team has his handwriting. Leverkusen now represent a style that is noticed nationally and internationally."
Leverkusen remained in fourth place after losing 3-0 to direct rivals Borussia Moenchengladbach earlier this month and will compete in the Champions League play-off round.
Schmidt joined Leverkusen from Austria's Salzburg, who he led to the league title having previously coached lower-tier German clubs.
"During this first year it quickly became clear that Leverkusen is a club where I can and want to work over a longer period of time," said Schmidt.
"We are at the start of a development and have a young team that has great potential and a superb team spirit."
