Back
8.10.2020Bayer 04

News in brief: Tah with Germany in Ukraine – Kuntz praises Wirtz

For Jonathan Tah and Co. it’s off to Eastern Europe, Germany U21 coach Stefan Kuntz talks about Werkself youngster Florian Wirtz, and a current Bayer 04 player was 28 on Wednesday – today’s news in brief.
crop_imago0048667941h.jpg

At the start of the international break, Germany were only able to draw 3-3 against Turkey on Wednesday night; the Werkself players Jonathan Tah and Nadiem Amiri came on in the second half. The friendly involving Germany is followed by a Nations League clash in Ukraine on Saturday, 10 October (kick-off: 20.45 CEST/live on ARD). Germany coach Joachim Löw announced his 23-man squad for the away game on Thursday.

The 60-year-old has kept Werkself central defender Tah in his squad alongside former Leverkusen players Bernd Leno, Julian Brandt and Kai Havertz. In contrast, Nadiem Amiri will not travel to Ukraine. The 23-year-old is one of five players Löw has not included in his squad for the next game.

U21 coach Kuntz on Wirtz

The youngest Bundesliga goalscorer, the gold Fritz Walter Medal – and the next sporting milestone in sight. Bayer 04 youngster Florian Wirtz is in the current U21 squad and, if he plays in the Euro qualifier against Moldova on Friday, 9 October (kick-off: 18.15 CEST/live on ProSieben MAXX), he will become the youngest Germany U21 international – at the age of 17 years and 159 days.

This week, the U21 head coach Stefan Kuntz again praised the Leverkusen player. “Florian is one of the outstanding talents in Germany,” said the 57-year-old. “We’re happy we have such a very, very big talent here with us. Because he has things that we can’t completely cover in our squad.”

Wirtz was originally due to make his debut for the oldest Germany junior team in September. However, the Werkself’s participation in the Europa League led to the parties agreeing to postpone his debut.

Happy birthday, Lucas!

His record last season is worth a look: 7 goals in 24 Bundesliga matches – 3 goals in 4 DFB Cup games– 2 goals in 3 appearances in the Europa League. Lucas Alario always proved reliable in front of the opposition goal last term. The Argentina international is now in his fourth season at the Werkself – and on Wednesday he was 28.

The central striker celebrated his birthday back home in Argentina: Alario, like Exequiel Palacios, is currently playing for La Albiceleste for a place at the World Cup. Bayer 04 wish: Many happy returns on your birthday, Lucas!

25_Football_90001_BuLi-Start-Clubs_DCM-P_814_1509_300x250.jpg

Related News

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
„Stadiontalk“ in der BayArena
Bayer 04 - 05.05.2026

Stadiontalk at the BayArena: Rolfes, Minister of State Heidmeier and trainees discuss career prospects for young people

Talking to each other instead of about each other - that was the motto of the ‘Stadiontalk’ on Monday in the BayArena. Representatives from Bayer 04 and other companies, politicians and trainees from the region came together to discuss the career prospects for young people as well as existing challenges and hurdles.

Show more