Bayer Leverkusen, under the leadership of Spanish head coach Xabi Alonso, is facing a difficult start to the season as they struggle to meet the high standards they set for themselves last season. The team has already dropped points in five out of nine Bundesliga games and suffered a 4-0 loss to Liverpool in the Champions League. The late goals that defined their success last season seem to have dried up, with Leverkusen already conceding 15 goals in the league. Missed chances and defensive issues have plagued the team, leading to a decrease in their aura of invincibility.
Despite the challenges, Alonso remains optimistic and believes that the team can bounce back from their recent setbacks. Granit Xhaka, who was critical of the team’s performance against Liverpool, expressed confidence in their ability to turn things around. Alonso, staying true to his title-winning approach, is focused on learning from the tough moments and improving the team’s performance against top opposition. Despite interest from other clubs, Alonso chose to stay at Leverkusen and has kept largely the same squad from last season, with minimal changes over the summer.
The team’s defensive lineup has remained intact, with central defender Jonathan Tah staying despite transfer rumors. Leverkusen is currently seven points behind unbeaten Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga and faces a tough challenge ahead as they aim to recover from their slow start to the season. The upcoming match against Bochum will be a test for Leverkusen, as they look to secure a much-needed win and climb up the Bundesliga standings. With Alonso’s leadership and the team’s determination, Leverkusen is hopeful of turning their season around and returning to their winning ways.
In summary, Bayer Leverkusen is facing a challenging start to the season as they struggle to replicate their success from last season under head coach Xabi Alonso. Defensive issues and missed chances have hampered their performance, leading to dropped points in the Bundesliga and a heavy loss to Liverpool in the Champions League. Despite the setbacks, Alonso remains confident in the team’s ability to bounce back and learn from their tough moments. Leverkusen’s upcoming matches will be crucial as they aim to close the gap on the league leaders and return to winning ways.
