Xabi explains reasoning behind Hradecky's league benching
Speaking at his post-match presser following last night's 0-0 draw with Borussia Mönchengladbach, Leverkusen trainer Xabi Alonso explained why his captain found himself on the bench during last night's league encounter.
| Photo: Pyaet, CC BY-SA 4.0 |
Bayer 04 Leverkusen first-choice keeper is neither hurt nor in any danger of losing his #1 status. Werkself trainer Xabi Alonso, speaking at his post-match presser last night, explained that he opted to give back-up Matej Kovar a start in order to give the Czech some match practice ahead of the coming DFBPokal quarterfinal tie against Stuttgart.
The summer acquisition has started two of the team's three domestic cup fixtures and five of the six Bayer UEL group stage ties. Xabi emphasized both before kickoff and at his post-match presser last night that Hradecky needn't fear for his place in the starting XI; at least not in the league. The 34-year-old remains the #1.
"It's only a decision that will help him [Kavar] get ready for the cup," Xabi said, "Both are strong goalkeepers. Lukas will be back in goal next week against Darmstadt. The idea was just to get him [Kovar] some playing time."
