Rolfes on Xhaka departure: “Things got a bit hectic at times”

The Rhinelanders’ boss hinted that the Swiss midfielder’s departure wasn’t exactly harmonious.

In an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, Bayer Leverkusen’s Simon Rolfes discussed the departures of several players over summer. 

The club’s sporting director highlighted that Granit Xhaka openly wanted to leave if a big offer arrived, while he hoped to hold onto Piero Hincapié another year. 

“The impetus came from him [Xhaka]. He had asked us to sit down together if something financially lucrative came along. Things got a bit hectic at times. 

“We would have loved to keep Piero for another season. But to use Adli’s example: For two years, he was primarily a substitute with us.

“He would have been happy to stay if he’d known he’d have an important role. After the preseason, however, it didn’t look like that.

“In the end, it was the best decision for us and for him. At some point, a story is told,” said the 43-year-old boss.