By- Oma Akatugba
Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Robert Andrich has spoken highly of his teammate Florian Wirtz following the team’s 0-0 draw against VfL Wolfsburg. Wirtz, who came on as a substitute late in the game, played a crucial role in shifting the momentum in Leverkusen’s favor, though his efforts were not enough to secure all three points.
Speaking after the match, Andrich expressed his admiration for Wirtz’s ability to influence the game in a short period. “Florian is an incredible player. When he stepped onto the pitch, you could see the difference immediately. He brought energy, creativity, and nearly turned the game around for us,” Robert said. “Unfortunately, we couldn’t get the win, but his performance shows how important he is to the team.”
Leverkusen had entered the game on the back of a grueling 120-minute battle in the DFB-Pokal against FC Köln just two days earlier. Fatigue seemed to play a role in the team’s performance, and manager Xabi Alonso made the decision to start Wirtz on the bench, likely in an effort to manage his workload.
Despite their best efforts, Leverkusen’s draw allowed Bayern Munich to extend their lead at the top of the Bundesliga table to eight points. With a crucial must-win clash against Bayern on February 15, the team will be hoping for a fresh and fully prepared squad to keep their title hopes alive.
Andrich remains optimistic about the road ahead, emphasizing the importance of learning from each match. “Every game gives us something to build on. We know what we need to improve, and with the time we have before the Bayern game, we’ll be ready,” he stated.
As Leverkusen gears up for what could be a defining moment in their season, Wirtz’s performance against Wolfsburg serves as a reminder of the talent at their disposal. The young midfielder’s ability to change games could be a key factor in their pursuit of silverware this season.
