Schick to miss Bundesliga spring kick-off, Leverkusen coach Alonso praises Hložek again

The Bundesliga is so far the only one of the top 5 leagues that still hasn’t returned to action after the World Cup. However, the start of the spring season is approaching and Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has revealed that he will have to do without Patrik Schick. On the other hand, he praised the talented Adam Hložek.

After last season, looking at the table now, any fan would probably expect Leverkusen to be somewhat elsewhere than an unflattering 12th position. Equally, Patrik Schick was probably not expected to experience such a drop in performance and statistics after a season of a lifetime.

But all of this is a reality and Bayer had to address the situation. So, during the autumn season, coach Gerardo Seoane had to leave the club and in his place came the legendary Xabi Alonso, for whom this is the first ever engagement at such a level.

Almost immediately after his engagement, Leverkusen started to gradually pick up. Slowly but surely, it seems. In fact, of the last four competitive matches before the World Cup, Alonso’s charges have not lost a single one and have even won three in a row.

And they will be looking to build on their improving form on 22 January when they visit Borussia Mönchengladbach at the start of the spring Bundesliga season. Unfortunately, they will be without Czech striker Schick.

Schick injured, Hložek doing great, says Alonso

In addition to his performance, Schick is suffering from health problems. “It will be difficult. Patrik is feeling better, but he needs more time. At the moment he is not fit for a full training load. He is important for us. We have to be patient and wait. Injuries are part of football, hopefully he will be fit soon,” Alonso expressed.

His absence, however, helps Adam Hložka, who is still getting used to the quality of the German top flight. And it should be mentioned that at the end of the season he was already doing much better than in the duels right after his arrival.

It is Hložek who is counted on for the spearhead now. “He plays this role well, he helps the team a lot. It’s not his ideal position, but he’s doing great,” the Spanish coach said.

However, he is also planning to use Sardar Azmoun in Schick’s place, who is also not doing so well this season.

Source: Bayer Leverkusen, Bulinews, Transfermarkt, Bundesliga