Bayer's official site stated that Labbadia signed a two-year contract with the club on Monday, five days after the departure of Skibbe.

Labbadia left second division Greuther Fuerth, whom he led to sixth place in the Bundesliga2, for a top flight challenge with Bayer.

Former Germany coach Skibbe was fired after he left Bayer in seventh place in the Bundesliga, failing to secure a UEFA Cup spot.