Rolfes denies Schick exit talks: “He will stay, that’s for sure”

Die Werkself are likely to keep hold of the marksman who bagged 21 Bundesliga goals last season.

In a recent interview, Simon Rolfes dismissed any rumors of a potential Patrick Schick departure this summer.

“He will stay, that’s for sure,” said the managing director of sport at Bayer Leverkusen when speaking to Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.

The 43-year-old went on to discuss the potential for a two-pronged attack with the Czechia native and Victor Boniface:

“Unfortunately, Xabi [Alonso] didn’t try playing them together up front very often. Boni also played in a two-man attack in Belgium.

“He’s not a number nine who just stands up front. He also likes to move out to the wings. That has already worked well with both of them together.

“In Stuttgart, for example, Boni came on, and then he and Patrik turned the game around together.

“The key thing is that they are in top shape. Erik will be more flexible there, and they will also get the chance to play together,” Rolfes added.