Florian Wirtz on…
…the healing process: Me and my knee are doing very well. The rehab training is going as planned. Therefore I'm absolutely confident at this point and I will continue my programme.
…on support on the way to his comeback: I've had great support from the start from all sides from my family as well as the club and my friends. And the doctor who operated on me was very confident in his discussions with me. That feedback motivated me to start rehab a few days after the injury. It's gone great since then including in cooperation with the medical team at the club. I'm in exactly the right hands here.
…rehab work on the training camp: Of course, it's not always easy doing the same exercises in the same place for months on end. Therefore, I'm really enjoying the time here in Austria. I'm fully involved in the day-to-day activity and close to my teammates. I'm training right next to them so I can see what’s happening in training.
…his programme for the coming weeks and months: The first thing now is to gradually increase the intensity and workload on the pitch. We're taking it step-by-step.
…the reasons for extending his contract to 2027: I just feel really good here. I wanted to send a message to the club and the team. Patrik Schick has also extended to 2027, Adam Hlozek has signed a deal to 2027. We've got a good team and we want to build something here.
…communication with Germany coach Hansi Flick: We are in close contact and we have a very good relationship with each other. For example, he invited me to the international in Mönchengladbach (5-2 against Italy, ed.). I spoke to a lot of the other international players there and they gave me great support.
…the World Cup in Qatar: I'm very young and have lots of years ahead of me. You can't see into the future. And I don't want to do that. I just want to use every day and work hard to get back on the pitch fit and well.
On the back of two straight defeats, Hoffenheim come to the BayArena on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CET) looking to once again demonstrate their good record away from home. The Sinsheim club have managed to claim points in many of their recent visits to Leverkusen. We take a look at what shape the Bundesliga’s eighth-placed team are in before they take on the league leaders.
Show moreBayer 04 is once again holding its traditional family matchday, presented by main sponsor Barmenia, as part of the Werkself’s Bundesliga game at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday, 30 March. Fans can look forward to family-friendly offers, an entertainment programme with numerous play stalls and hands-on activities around the BayArena. Here’s all you need to know about the family matchday.
Show moreNumerous players from the Bayer 04 youth teams have also been on their travels in the final international break of the season, including three for the German U17 side. A round-up of all the games involving our boys.
Show moreThe Bayer 04 Women go into a three-week league break with a goalless draw. The team led by coach Robert de Pauw secured a point in a hard-fought game away to SGS Essen thereby maintaining a two-point lead over the hosts in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. The Leverkusen Women are fifth in the table after 17 games on 25 points.
Show moreBayer 04 Women have faced Essen twice already this season, with neither game in Leverkusen ending well for the home side. The league encounter finished goalless, while the DFB Cup quarter-final at the BayArena ended in a 2-1 defeat and elimination. Now 19 days later, Robert de Pauw’s side are looking to make up for all of that as they visit Essen in the Google Pixel Bundesliga on Sunday (kick-off: 6.30pm CET).
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