Champions League: Wirtz after gala against Salzburg: “A little goosebumps”

When Florian Wirtz was substituted shortly before the end after his outstanding game against RB Salzburg, the spectators in the BayArena rose from their seats and celebrated their extraordinary footballer – a special moment for the 21-year-old. “I got a little goosebumps,” said the Bayer Leverkusen international.

His teammates were also thrilled by the offensive player’s performance. «It’s a pleasure to see him on the pitch. He has a great career ahead of him,” said midfielder Granit Xhaka.

Wirtz himself was very relaxed after the game and in an unusual mood to chat. His converted, albeit questionable, hand penalty opened the door to 1-0 for Leverkusen. «I got first place for the eleven. But I had also expressed my interest beforehand,” said Wirtz, who has five goals and one assist in five Champions League games.

Xabi Alonso knows what he has in his playmaker, goalscorer and assist provider. «We know that he is a difference player for us. But we also have to help him find structures. He can’t be everywhere,” said his coach. It is also very important for Wirtz to show himself in these games. “He has this desire and this will to play the big games,” said Alonso.

In addition to Wirtz’s two goals (8th/30th), Alejandro Grimaldo (11th), Patrik Schick (61st) and Aleix Garcia (72nd) also scored in the clear 5-0 win against RB Salzburg. «We played with great quality today. We now have ten points and are in a good starting position before the last three games,” said Bayer’s coach.