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'Play him or else!' - Butler warns that out-of-favour Bailey is assessing Leverkusen future

Published:Tuesday | November 27, 2018 | 12:00 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Phoenix Academy founder Craig Butler (right) and Bayer Leverkusen player Leon Bailey.

Having seen his charge's stock fall in Germany, Craig Butler, the adoptive father and manager of Bayer Leverkusen forward Leon Bailey, has issued a warning of sorts to the club.

The combative Butler notes that the striker will assess his options over the holidays, with the possibility of moving from the Bundesliga outfit in the upcoming winter transfer window.

The 21-year-old Bailey has so far failed to match last season's spark, with just one goal in 11 league appearances to his credit so far. This comes on the back of a 2017-2018 campaign that saw him bag nine goals and six assists.

However, it has been a slow start to the current season for the Jamaican winger, who has only started five of Leverkusen's 12 league games to date for a mere 612 minutes of game time. At this point last season, Bailey had started eight games and had already scored four goals, while providing two assists.

 

TACTICAL DECISIONS

 

Butler, however, insists that the player has not lost form but is rather suffering from coach Heiko Hirrlich's tactical decisions and resulting lack of game time.

"His form is not off," Butler argued. "The coach has chosen to take a top 11 Bundesliga team of the season player, that got them many wins last year and put him on the bench. He has received the results that such a decision will make. I hope the team improves, and it is important for Leon's progression that he puts this bad experience behind him and takes the next step, whether within or outside the club, to have a successful career."

Although Bailey has seemingly fallen out of favour, Butler expects his Phoenix Academy product to rediscover the productivity that made him one of the most-talked-about players on the global club scene last season. However, he said they will sit together and discuss the player's future over the holiday break.

"He (Bailey) is a top talent and needs to be playing. He works hard every time in training and trains for hours after each training session. He is never rude or disrespectful, and he gives his all every time for the team," Butler told The Gleaner.

"But the cream of the crop always rise to the top, and I'm certain in short order, Leon will be starting again and thrilling the world with his exploits in a top club, whether that is Bayer Leverkusen or not. We will decide in January.

"We appreciate the opportunity to serve the club, and Bayer fans are some of the best in the world, so we are grateful. But over the holidays, we will sit as a family and discuss our next move forward," he stated.

Leverkusen currently sit 12th in the 18-team table after finishing last season in fifth place.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com