Alonso explains why Wirtz didn’t start against Augsburg

By Rune Gjerulff   @runegjerulff

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has revealed why Florian Wirtz started on the bench against Augsburg.

Florian Wirtz.

After starting two games in a row, Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Florian Wirtz only played around 30 minutes in last night’s 1-0 defeat against Augsburg, coming on from the bench in the second half.


In a post-match interview, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso explained that he wants to manage the 19-year-old’s workload, as the youngster only just made his return from a cruciate ligament rupture.

“We decided with Florian that he can’t play every minute after a ten-month injury layoff,” Alonso told Bild after the 1-0 defeat.

“We have to control the load. He was there today and he will play in the next game.”

More about Florian Wirtz

Bundesliga Tactics Talk: Round 18
Bundesliga Tactics Talk: Round 17
Wirtz to start for Leverkusen against Bochum?
Bundesliga Tactics Talk: Round 16
Alonso confirms Wirtz is fit to start against Gladbach
Wirtz’s father says son will remain through 2024: “Florian is in the best possible hands at Bayer.”



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