Winter loanee Borja Iglesias leaves Bayer without scoring a goal of his own. Managing director Simon Rolfes draws a conclusion.
After half a year with two titles: Borja Iglesias says goodbye to Leverkusen. IMAGO/Nico Herbertz
First he listened to a few warm words, then received a large souvenir photo and finally a big hug. The two managing directors Fernando Carro and Simon Rolfes thanked him, central defender Jonathan Tah came up to him. And the ever-popular Borja Igelsias beamed non-stop during this short farewell procedure, which took place as part of Leverkusen’s double party the Sunday before last in the BayArena.
The Bayer chapter is already over for him after six months. Last winter, the “Panda”, as he is often called, was loaned from Betis Sevilla – with a purchase option of around eight million euros, but it was already clear that Leverkusen would refrain from signing the 31-year-old permanently.
Because Boniface was absent, Borja Iglesias came
The fact that this loan deal had even happened in the winter had to do with the personnel situation at the time. Victor Boniface had been out for a short time due to an adductor operation – and Patrik Schick had only returned a few weeks earlier after an absence of almost a year. Another strong center forward as a back-up had suddenly become important, so Bayer signed the Spaniard.
But now there is no longer any need. The classic number nines Boniface and Schick are fit to play, and if coach Xabi Alonso wants to form a more flexible offensive, Amine Adli or Florian Wirtz are alternatives for the center. In addition, Borja Iglesias is said to have felt at home in the Rhineland, but his sporting record has not caused much excitement.
Borja Iglesias’ Bayer record remained mixed
The 1.87 meter tall attacker has made a total of ten competitive appearances in the last few months, starting four times. As a wall striker and combination player, he had one or two good moves, but he never managed to score a goal. When he was allowed on the pitch, Borja Iglesias was never a decisive factor. And when Boniface was back, he hardly got a chance.
Borja Iglesias did not play a significant sporting role in this historic Leverkusen double team, but the two-time Spanish international can certainly claim a certain share in the overall success. In an interview with kicker, managing director Rolfes emphasized: “Borja helped us a lot, especially during the phase when Boni was injured.”
Rolfes highlights Borja Iglesias’ character
Schick was able to get back into the rhythm “bit by bit” and thanks to Borja Iglesias’ presence, he didn’t have to play all the games after the turn of the year, “only to then perhaps be set back again due to injury. Borja also played a part in the team staying fit.” The loanee had “a little bad luck” in front of goal. However, Rolfes sums up, the attacker did play a few good games.
“As a guy in the group, he’s also just good. He was always very positive, has a good personality, is friendly, respectful. Nothing changed when he was on the pitch less after Boni returned,” explains Rolfes. His thanks also go to Borja Iglesias. And so the big hug on the Sunday before last was by no means to be seen as an obligatory exercise.
2024-06-05 13:33:58
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