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

Artem Stepanov
Bayer 04 - 30.01.2026

Artem Stepanov recalled from Nürnberg and loaned to Utrecht

Bayer 04 have ended Artem Stepanov’s loan deal at Nürnberg and agreed a new loan to Utrecht in the Netherlands. The Ukrainian striker did not play as much as hoped for at the Bundesliga 2 club and will now continue his development in the Eredivisie for the rest of 2025/26.

Show more
Melissa Friedrich und Co.
Women - 29.01.2026

‘Patience and a good positional game’: Women welcome strong FC Nürnberg side

Following on from the emotional last-minute win at Union Berlin, the Bayer 04 Women now face a promoted team: On Saturday, 31 January (12:00 CET), coach Roberto Pätzold's team welcome FC Nürnberg to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium for their first home game of the new year. In their second season in the Bundesliga, the Franconians have impressed with 16 points from the first 15 games.

Show more
Rolfes, Culbreath, Falkenberg
Bayer 04 - 29.01.2026

Bayer 04 extend contract with Germany U19 international Montrell Culbreath to 2030

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with Germany U19 international Montrell Culbreath. The attacking midfielder and right winger has penned a deal with the Bundesliga club that runs to 30 June 2030. Culbreath has played for the Werkself as a youth player since 2023. Last December, he scored his first Bundesliga goal for the Leverkusen first team in the Bayer 04 3-1 away win at RB Leipzig.

Show more
Die Werkself nach dem Heimsieg
Champions League - 29.01.2026

Werkself review #B04VIL: ‘A major interim goal’ achieved with a lot of control

The Werkself's 3-0 victory over Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League certainly left many happy faces: Malik Tillman was delighted with his brace, Robert Andrich with the clean sheet and coach Kasper Hjulmand with the "manner" of this significant home win. With an overwhelming superiority and over 75 per cent possession at times, Bayer 04 deserved their place in the UCL play-off round. They will face a familiar foe in February. The Werkself review.

Show more