Back
27.09.2017Bayer 04

The striker with a nose for goal

Both Bayer 04 and Lucas Alario had to be extremely patient before the striker could make his first appearance for his new club. After his former club River Plate refused to accept the transfer payment, which led to the 24-year-old Argentinian being refused permission to play, a fast track FIFA hearing was put into effect. FIFA gave their approval on Thursday evening and that marked the end of a 20-day waiting period. The striker made his debut for the Werkself on Sunday in the 3-0 victory over Hamburg SV. The new number 13 took time out three days later to face the press.
KS170926_Schueler_0485.jpg

The new signing responds to questions on…

 …his debut against HSV and his goal to make it 2-0: "I'm very happy I was finally able to play for Bayer 04 on Sunday after weeks of uncertainty. Of course, I'm glad I was able to score a goal in my first game. But it's more important to me the team won at home and picked up three important points."

 …the transfer wrangle: "My target was to play here in Leverkusen and I'm happy it's  finally happened. A lot of things have been said and written about this case in recent  weeks – and unfortunately it wasn't always about football. I'm very relieved it's over and that I can help the team out in competitive games. That's the most important thing for me."

 …a possible problem with playing rhythm due to the lack of permission to play: "I just love playing football. A lot of things have gone through my mind in the past few weeks. Of course, it's better if you can distract yourself by playing at times like that. It wasn't easy. But I don't think I've got out of a rhythm. Also because I've been focused on training in the past few weeks and I've  worked extremely hard.“

 …the German language: "I try to learn German every day. That's important for integration and, of course, for me to be able to speak to my team-mates on the pitch as soon as possible. I've had great support from my team-mates so far and I'm very grateful for that. They've contributed to me feeling at home here from the start."

 …the atmosphere at the BayArena against HSV: "Everybody knows Argentinian football fans are very  passionate. But our fans gave us great support throughout the game against HSV on Sunday. Fortunately, we are able to show our gratitude with a win. I liked the way the  fans were very patient."

 …his nickname 'El Pipa': "One of my youth coaches at Club Atletico Colon in Santa Fe gave me the nickname and it was the same at River Plate later on. I'm called that because people said and say I've got a big nose…(he laughs)"

 …Friday's Bundesliga match against Schalke 04: "It's a very important game for us. We want to carry on where we left off at the weekend and pick up three points away from home so we can continue to move up the table."

Related News

Loreen Bender
Women - 04.11.2025

‘Get a fresh team on the pitch’: Women welcome promoted team HSV

Three days after their convincing 4-2 victory at FC Carl Zeiss Jena, the Bayer 04 Women are once again favourites for their next Bundesliga fixture. On Wednesday, 5 November (19:00 CET), the Werkself welcome promoted Hamburger SV to the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The match will take place as part of Bayer 04's Health Weeks - with a focus on organ donation.

Show more
Tickets gegen Newcastle
Champions League - 04.11.2025

Tickets for the UCL home game against Newcastle United

The Werkself host Premier League club Newcastle United on matchday 6 in the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. The match at the BayArena is on Wednesday, 10 December, at 21:00 CET. Read on for information on ticket sales for this fixture.

Show more
Photo: Steven Lin
Bayer 04 - 03.11.2025

Bayer 04 Fans Gather in Manhattan for Big Game

On Saturday afternoon in Manhattan, supporters of Bayer 04 Leverkusen gathered at popular football bar Legends in midtown to cheer on the Black and Red against FC Bayern during a Matchday 9 watch party organized at the Bundesliga Haus.

Show more
Faninfos
Fans - 03.11.2025

Fan information for away game at Benfica

The Werkself are away to Portuguese record champions Benfica on matchday 4 in the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. The match is on Wednesday, 5 November (kick-off: 20:00 GMT/21:00 CET) at the Estádio da Luz. The Bayer 04 fan liaison team brings you the latest information ahead of the game...

Show more
Auslosung
DFB-Pokal - 02.11.2025

Bayer 04 to face Borussia Dortmund in 2025/26 DFB Pokal last 16

Bayer 04 have been drawn away from home at Borussia Dortmund in the round of 16 of the 2025/26 DFB Pokal following Sunday’s draw in the German Football Museum in Dortmund. The game will be played on either 2 or 3 December, with the German FA to confirm the dates of all fixtures in the coming days.

Show more