Back
14.03.2022Bayer 04

Flick on Wirtz: ‘He will come back at least as strong’

The fear was sadly confirmed on Saturday evening 13 March: Werkself youngster Florian Wirtz suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the first half of the derby against FC Köln (0-1). The 18-year-old will be out of action for several months. Numerous get well messages and encouraging words have already come in from across Germany following the diagnosis. They are all unanimous: Flo will come back stronger!
imago1006433504h.jpg

One of the first people to contact Florian Wirtz by phone was Hansi Flick. The Germany coach said after talking to the four-time international: "Florian Wirtz is one of the biggest talents German football has produced in recent years. Therefore, we were all shocked when we heard about the torn cruciate," said the 57-year-old. "I've tried to comfort him. He is still young and he will come back at least as strong, I'm convinced of that. He will receive our full support."

Wendell, Schweini and Co. also get in touch

The list of other teammates and former Leverkusen players as well as from Germany wishing Wirtz a speedy recovery is long. FC Köln head coach Steffen Baumgart said after the game: "Of course, I wish Florian Wirtz well. I hope he's soon back on his feet. It was a shock for all of us." At the same time, he had clear words for the fans who made derisive comments when the former FC Köln youth player was carried off the pitch. "That's out of order. There's nothing more to say about it."

Everybody at Bayer 04 is crossing their fingers: Come back stronger, Flo!

 

imago1001586493h.jpg

Related News

Kurzpässe vor #B04BVB
Bundesliga - 29.11.2025

Matchday news #B04BVB: Various campaigns around big game

There won’t just be plenty of excitement on the pitch as Bayer 04 host Borussia Dortmund at the BayArena at 18:30 CET on Saturday. Outside the stadium there will be collection points for food donations to the Leverkusen Foodbank, which will also benefit from the profits of a jersey raffle in the Fanwelt afterwards. There will also be a minute’s silence before kick-off following the passing of long-time Werkself player Dieter Herzog, before two fan clubs are honoured for their decades-long support at half-time and fans receive a talk about Orange Day, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.

Show more
Die PK vor dem Bundesliga-Heimspiel gegen Dortmund | 12. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 28.11.2025

Hjulmand ahead of #B04BVB: ‘Play our game again’

Bayer 04 go into the first of two successive clashes with Borussia Dortmund boosted by their Champions League win at Manchester City. Ahead of the Bundesliga top match on Saturday, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET), coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the tight schedule, BVB's strengths and returning squad members.

Show more
Serhou Guirassy und Nico Schlotterbeck für Borussia Dortmund
Bundesliga - 28.11.2025

Our next opponents: Effective up front, stable at the back - BVB on course

Borussia Dortmund are doing very well in terms of points and results in the Bundesliga, the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League. BVB have only suffered two defeats to date this term. Now coach Niko Kovac's team are away to the Werkself on Saturday night, 29 November (kick-off: 18:30 CET) in the top match on Bundesliga matchday 12. The two teams meet again three days later in the DFB Pokal Round of 16 tie in Dortmund. Two very competitive encounters are on the cards. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Paulina Bartz beim Torjubel
Women - 27.11.2025

3-2 friendly win - Women defeat Dutch league leaders

The Bayer 04 Women clcoked up a 3-2 win in a friendly against Twente Enschede on Thursday afternoon in the last international break of 2025. In drizzle, Lilla Turanyi (16’), Kristin Kögel (65’) and Paulina Bartz (69’) scored the goals for the Werkself against the Dutch Eredivisie Vrouwen leaders, who are still unbeaten in the league.

Show more