By Rune Gjerulff@runegjerulff

Alonso explains why Wirtz didn't start against Augsburg

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has revealed why Florian Wirtz started on the bench against Augsburg.
Florian Wirtz.
Florian Wirtz.
After starting two games in a row, Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Florian Wirtz only played around 30 minutes in last night's 1-0 defeat against Augsburg, coming on from the bench in the second half.

In a post-match interview, Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso explained that he wants to manage the 19-year-old's workload, as the youngster only just made his return from a cruciate ligament rupture.

"We decided with Florian that he can't play every minute after a ten-month injury layoff," Alonso told Bild after the 1-0 defeat.

"We have to control the load. He was there today and he will play in the next game."

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