The 19-year-old first played in a 2 versus 2 with Furky against Werkself fans. Wirtz opted for his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation and in his favourite kit, the blue Werkself away strip. With success – the two Bayer 04 players clocked up a convincing 3-0 win with Wirtz netting a brace with his virtual persona. The Werkself duo also won the second game 3-2.
Wirtz then challenged Furky to a 1 v 1 with the Werkself player getting off to a flying start with the lead on seven minutes. The eSports player was then spurred on to level and cancel out Wirtz’ lead in less than two minutes. The Werkself number 27 was finally on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline.
In addition to tactical tips and tricks from the eSports player Furky, Florian Wirtz also answered numerous questions from the viewers on the Bayer 04 Twitch channel. The currently injured Werkself playmaker also provided exclusive insights into life in the dressing room: "Patrik (Schick ed.) sits to my left and Jerry (Jeremie Frimpong ed.) is on my right.” The Germany international also answered the question of who is responsible for the music: “Karim (Bellarabi ed.) and Moussa (Diaby ed.) lead the way. But, above all, on the bus it's Kerem (Demirbay ed.) who offers a wide range of music so that there's something for everybody – from German rap to Latino sounds."
The question about his fastest teammate was very interesting: "With football teams that's always a touchy subject (he laughs)," said Wirtz. "Over the first few metres Jerry is ahead but after that Moussa is definitely a contender."
At the end, the Leverkusen player revealed his tip for next Saturday's Bundesliga away game at TSG Hoffenheim (7 May – kick-off: 15.30 CEST) and he is certain: "We want to ensure qualification for the Champions League next season at the weekend. Therefore I'm predicting a 2-0 win."
Good news from the training ground: Karim Bellarabi and Timothy Fosu-Mensah were able to complete their first individual training sessions. Together with fitness coach Daniel Jouvin, the two worked on a range of passing drills. But they will not play again this season.
An impressive record: Werkself centre-forward Patrik Schick became the Werkself player from abroad to score the most goals in a season last weekend. His goal in the 2-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt was his 22nd in the current campaign.
The 26-year-old Czech Republic international puts former Leverkusen player Dimitar Berbatov into positions two and three. The Bulgarian striker scored 21 goals in 2005/06 and 20 the season before.
The top ten goal-getters from abroad:
1. Patrik Schick (2021/22 – 22 goals to date)
2. Dimitar Berbatov (2005/06 – 21)
3. Dimitar Berbatov (2004/05 – 20)
4. Bum-kun Cha (1985/86 – 17)
Paulo Sergio (1996/97 – 17)
Paulo Sergio (1993/94 – 17)
Chicharito (2015/16 – 17)
8. Dimitar Berbatov (2003/04 – 16)
Arne Larsen Ökland (1980/81 – 16)
10. Andrey Voronin (2004/05 – 15)
With seven points, Mainz 05 are currently joint seventh, level on points with sixth-placed Bayer 04. In today’s head-to-head clash (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself must be particularly wary of the clinical Mainz strike duo. For Leverkusen fans who have left it to the last minute, there are still a few tickets available from the matchday ticket office. Those following the Black and Reds from home, on the other hand, have a choice: RTL is broadcasting the match on free-to-air TV, and Werkself Radio is also offering the expert commentary of former Bayer 04 player Falko Götz. Today’s matchday news.
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Back from the international break: On Saturday 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to Mainz 05. Ahead of the clash at the MEWA ARENA against the side currently sixth in the table, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the team’s work during the extended international break. The Spaniard also commented, when asked, on a number of squad matters, including Ibrahim Maza.
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FSV Mainz 05 went into the international break on the back of an away win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. Currently sixth in the table, the Rheinhessen side – who have been impressive on the road – now aim to continue their good start to the Bundesliga campaign at home when they face the Werkself on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 15:30 CEST). In terms of squad selection, Urs Fischer once again has more options at his disposal. Up front, the Mainz coach is likely to continue relying on what is currently the league’s most successful strike partnership. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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Thomas Eichin has been working for Bayer 04 for six years – as Director of Professional Teams since July 2023 – and has contributed to the successful development of our club in many areas. Today, Friday 9 October, Freiburg-born Eichin is celebrating his 60th birthday. We wish him a very happy birthday.
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Together with his family, friends and close associates, Bayer 04 Leverkusen bid farewell to Peter Hermann. The club’s long-serving assistant manager passed away on 19 September following a serious illness. Today, Thursday 8 October, Bayer 04 held an event attended by around 200 invited guests to commemorate Peter Hermann’s legacy. Representatives from the DFB and the other professional clubs where Hermann worked paid their respects to him at the BayArena.
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