He was once the youngest goal scorer in the Bundesliga. He is the youngest player to score ten goals in the German top flight. Florian Wirtz is a regular source of superlatives. Or as captain Lukas Hradecky recently put it: “He makes history week after week.
From Glasgow reports Stephan von Nocks
But how do you as a club make sure that a player who is only 18 years old, with all the hype and excitement around him, will develop in the long term in the way that all the experts believe he will? How do you ensure that not all the burden rests on the shoulders of the top talent?
How does Bayer protect and promote the top talent at the same time
Ahead of Thursday’s Europa League match at Celtic Glasgow (9pm, LIVE! on kicker), Simon Rolfes explains how Bayer protects and promotes the high-flyer at the same time. The motto is the normal for the exceptional. The club is trying to master the balancing act “by dealing with him in a very normal way and also in his development, which has been rapid, we have also dealt with him in a very normal way,” explains Leverkusen’s sports director.
Wirtz should definitely not be burnt out
So the club makes sure that the teenager is not put under too much strain. For example, when Wirtz was plagued by groin complaints in the summer. “At the beginning of the season, when he had a few problems, we took him out. Because we are continuing to build him up sensibly,” explains Rolfes. This had already been done once last season. Wirtz should in no way be wasted.
That applies both physically and mentally. Those responsible are trying to convey this feeling of security to the national player. “We also know, with all the quality he shows, that there will be fluctuations. And he also knows that with us he has a club and people at his side who support him in his development, but of course don’t slow him down. “
Rolfes: “He has great prerequisites for an outstanding career “
Rolfes and Bayer want to keep Wirtz in balance. To get the best out of the highly gifted player, for whom all doors are open. Which is something not only Leverkusen’s sports director is aware of. “He has great assets, of course, but can continue to improve in things. He is doing that very well. He has great prerequisites for an outstanding career. That’s clear,” judges ex-professional Rolfes.
Precisely because there are only the best forecasts for Wirtz from all the experts, the sports director sees himself as being challenged, as is the entire club. “Nevertheless, he’s a young guy,” emphasises Rolfes, “who we have to support accordingly, develop further, prepare for the tasks that certainly lie ahead of him.” Like the one on Thursday at Celtic Park in front of more than 50,000 spectators. A backdrop in front of which the young star has never played before in his career.