Bayer Leverkusen
Wirtz does not tie the future to that of Coach Alonso
Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso (r) in conversation with Florian Wirtz. photo
© Marius Becker/dpa
Florian Wirtz does not make his future career dependent on Bayer’s coach. According to goalkeeper Hradecky, no one would blame the highly sought-after Spaniard if he left the factory club in the summer.
National soccer player Florian Wirtz does not want his future at Bayer Leverkusen to depend on the coach remaining Make Xabi Alonso dependent. According to captain Lukas Hradecky, no one would blame the coach at the factory club if he changed clubs after potentially winning the title in the summer.
“I don’t link my path to his,” said Wirtz in a “Spiegel” interview. “It’s extremely important to me that I have such a good connection with him,” explained the 20-year-old offensive star. “But of course we decide about our future independently of each other.”
Wirtz still has a contract in Leverkusen until mid-2027, Alonso until the end of June 2026. Eight game days before the end of the season, Bayer is ten points ahead of rivals Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga and is therefore on course for the championship. The team is also still represented in the DFB Cup and the Europa League.
Lots of speculation
There has been speculation about Alonso’s future for weeks. The former world-class player is being considered, among other things, as the new coach at his former clubs FC Bayern and FC Liverpool.
Of course we hope that the Spaniard will stay, said Bayer goalkeeper Hradecky to the English media after the 4-1 defeat with Finland’s national team in the European Championship playoffs against Wales. But he also explained: “Nobody would be angry or object if he won the Bundesliga and decided to take a different path.” Alonso obviously feels comfortable in Leverkusen, said Hradecky. But the 42-year-old has a lot to think about and ultimately only he knows what is best for him.
The coach brought a special atmosphere to Leverkusen, said Hradecky. “Xabi brings a mentally strong spirit from the top clubs,” said the goalkeeper about Alonso, who also once played for Real Madrid. “He created the best Leverkusen team I have ever experienced.” It was “hellishly difficult to play against us.” Bayer has yet to lose a competitive game this season.