Leverkusen sport director warns Tillman's interview could hasten his exit

Bayer 04 Leverkusen’s sport director Simon Rolfes has publicly rebuked US international striker Malik Tillman after the forward’s recent interview, suggesting the remarks could accelerate a departure from the club. Rolfes told the Kölnischer Stadt‑Anzeiger that Tillman bypassed internal channels and that “if something doesn’t suit you, you should speak to the person concerned – he didn’t do that.”

Tillman, who arrived from Bayern Munich for €35 million last summer, labelled his first season “disappointing” and blamed former coach Kasper Hjulmand, fan criticism and a perceived lack of backing from the club hierarchy for his struggles on the pitch. The candid comments have now been deemed a breach of Leverkusen’s internal discipline, especially given the size of his transfer fee and his limited impact in the Bundesliga.

Rolfes stressed that while a player may be unhappy, “serious problems must be reported to me or Fernando Carro, otherwise I do not take them seriously.” He warned that the club would not tolerate public airing of grievances, adding that any unresolved issue must be brought directly to the management.

According to sources close to the dressing room, the management’s patience is wearing thin and the interview has made a potential transfer “more likely.” The club’s hierarchy is reportedly reviewing the situation in the context of a busy summer window, where the striker’s future could be decided by whether he can rebuild trust with the board.

Leverkusen’s attacking roster is set to become even more competitive before the new season begins. The recent signing of Miguel Gutierrez as a Grimaldo replacement, the expected arrivals of Moussa Diaby and Facundo Medina, and the emergence of youngsters such as Afonso Moreira and Ibo Maza mean Tillman will face a fight for minutes regardless of his form.

Rolfes reiterated the club’s “zero‑tolerance” stance on public dissent, stating, “If someone has a serious problem, he must come to me or Carro. Otherwise I cannot give it any significance.” The comment underscores Leverkusen’s insistence that internal issues be resolved behind closed doors.

The controversy adds another layer of uncertainty to Leverkusen’s squad planning. While the club continues to hunt for offensive talent, Tillman’s fate now hinges on his ability to regain the confidence of the hierarchy or to secure a move in the upcoming transfer window.