Mark Flekken will be Bayer Leverkusen's first-choice goalkeeper for their Europa League campaign. The club confirmed the decision by head coach Xabi Alonso on Tuesday, backing the experienced Dutchman. Flekken has started all three Bundesliga matches so far this season, conceding five goals. The team currently sits seventh in the table with four points from one win, one draw and one loss. Their next league opponent is RB Leipzig on September 20th, with the full fixtures list outlining the schedule ahead.
Flekken provides stability
Xabi Alonso explained his choice by pointing to the 33-year-old's consistent performances. "Mark has shown in the first games of the season that we can rely on him," the coach said. The backing for Flekken comes as Leverkusen seeks more consistency in the league. Their last match was a 2-2 draw at FC Augsburg, where Patrik Schick scored the equaliser in the 89th minute. Schick is the team's top scorer this season with three goals in three appearances. The full squad overview details the options available.
The decision means Lukas Hradecky will initially take a place on the bench. The long-time number one had played most of the club's European matches last season. For the Europa League group stage, Alonso is now opting for continuity. Leverkusen begins their European campaign on October 22nd. The team aims to use Flekken's experience to find a good rhythm from the start. With an injury list that includes Nathan Tella and Ibrahim Maza, defensive stability is particularly key. The current Bundesliga standings show Leverkusen trails leaders SC Freiburg by five points.
His next task is the home match against RB Leipzig this weekend before the international break. The goalkeeper is then expected to start Leverkusen's first Europa League match of the season.
Further reading: Bild Sport
