Bayer Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso strategically rested star defender Alejandro Grimaldo, their “most influential player,” in a recent Bundesliga defeat to Bayern Munich, prioritizing the player’s health and future high-stakes fixtures, including an upcoming Champions League encounter with his former club, Benfica.
Alonso explained that Grimaldo was not on a “red alert” but on a “reddish-orange alert” from the club’s medical team. He emphasized the importance of preventing injuries at this stage of the season.
“He is a very intense player, he has played every game,” Alonso told ESPN. “It’s important not to force it and then lose players due to injuries.”
The decision to bench Grimaldo, an undisputed starter, came as a surprise to the German press following Leverkusen’s 3-0 loss last Saturday.
Grimaldo has been a crucial offensive force for Leverkusen this season. He has scored seven goals and provided four assists across 13 matches.
Alonso noted that Grimaldo would have played if he had been “fully ready for the game.” He added that the club “cannot risk the health of our players.”
This strategic rest comes ahead of a significant Champions League fixture. Bayer Leverkusen is scheduled to face Benfica in the league phase of the competition.
The match will mark a return to Estádio da Luz for Grimaldo. The left-back spent eight seasons at Benfica, referring to their home stadium as “home.”
Aleix GarcÃa also received a similar rest, playing only 45 minutes, due to “some pressure on his legs,” Alonso confirmed.