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

Eliesse Ben Seghir
Bayer 04 - 27.01.2026

Ankle injury: Bayer 04 player Ben Seghir out for several weeks

Bayer 04 Leverkusen will to have manage without forward Eliesse Ben Seghir. The Morocco international suffered a ligament injury in his left ankle before the AFCON final defeat against Senegal (0-1 a.e.t.).

Show more
eSports
eSports - 27.01.2026

#B04eSports: Reunion with Leipzig in part two of the Showdown Four preliminary round

The VBL Club Championship 2025/26 continues. Tonight, 27 January (live on Twitch and on the Bayer 04 app from 18:00 CET), the Leverkusen eSports team will play the remaining three matches in the online preliminary round of Showdown Four. They are up against FC Kaiserslautern, SC Freiburg and the current club champions and Showdown Three winners RB Leipzig, with whom Bayer 04, club runners-up and Showdown One winners, shared some memorable moments, especially last year. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Jonas Omlin
Bayer 04 - 27.01.2026

Former Borussia captain with international experience: Jonas Omlin profile

Welcome to Leverkusen, Jonas Omlin. Bayer 04 have signed the 32-year-old goalkeeper on loan from Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach until the end of the season. Managing director sport Simon Rolfes described the Swiss shot stopper, signed by the Werkself in reaction to the long-term absence of first choice keeper Mark Flekken, as an "internationally experienced keeper." Bayer04.de takes a closer look at the new signing, who will wear the number 18 jersey.

Show more
Tour-Pass
Champions League - 26.01.2026

Sound of Dreams tour pass: Pick up your final sticker now and take part in the competition

Under the motto ‘Sound of Dreams - #aCROSS Europe 2025/26’, Bayer 04 are turning this season's UEFA Champions League season into a festival. In addition to a Spotify playlist that fans can use to get in the mood for the Champions League nights, there is also a tour pass with stickers for the respective UCL matches exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members. These could be picked up in the respective weeks of the matches. The sticker for the final clash in the league phase (Villarreal, 28 January, 21:00 CET) is now available at the Fanwelt. The competition for all diligent sticker collectors is also now open. Read on for further information.

Show more