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

VfB Stuttgart
Bundesliga - 07.05.2026

Our next opponents: VfB still have their fate in their own hands

It's a thrilling situation: as the season draws to a close, Stuttgart and Bayer 04 are heading into the home stretch almost neck and neck. After 32 games, with 17 wins, seven draws and eight defeats each, both teams are on 58 points. Even in terms of goals scored, VfB and the Werkself are level on 66. The Black and Reds have conceded just three fewer goals (43) than their rivals (46), which is why they sit one place behind fourth-placed Leverkusen. This Saturday, 9 May (kick-off: 15.30 CEST), the two teams go head to head at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Arthur
Bayer 04 - 06.05.2026

Bayer 04 extend contract with full-back Arthur to 2031

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with full-back Arthur ahead of schedule. The Werkself have agreed a new deal with the Brazilian to 30 June 2031. The 23-year-old was previously under contract to the summer of 2028.

Show more
Marlene Müller und Achim Feifel
Women - 06.05.2026

Bayer 04 sign midfielder Marlene Müller from RB Leipzig

Bayer 04 Leverkusen continue building the squad for the new season in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. The 25-year-old midfielder Marlene Müller has joined the club from RB Leipzig on a contract to 30 June 2028.

Show more
Bayer 04-Fans in der BayArena
Bayer 04 - 06.05.2026

Information on matchday and season ticket prices 2026/27 - Introduction of minimum season ticket use

Bayer 04 are introducing changes to the ticket price structure for the 2026/27 season. In addition to adjusting the ticket prices, the ticket categories will also be reorganised. All season ticket holders have already been informed of the changes by e-mail. The most important information at a glance.

Show more
A New Chapter | Ibo Maza: Familie und Religion sind sein größter Anker
Werkself-TV - 05.05.2026

A new chapter | Ibrahim Maza: Family and religion provide greatest support

Ibrahim Maza joined Bayer 04 from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2025. The youngster from Berlin developed into a difference-maker in his first season with the Werkself. Find out what makes the highly talented player tick in this very personal interview. Among other things, Maza talks about his Algerian-Vietnamese-German home, the role of his family and the importance of Islam for him both in his private life and in football...

Show more