Bayer Leverkusen is gearing up for another sensational season as they prepare to kick off their 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign against local rivals Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday. Following an unprecedented unbeaten run that saw them secure a league and cup double last season, Xabi Alonso’s side is now being tipped to break the Bayern Munich stranglehold on German football by becoming the first team other than Bayern to win back-to-back Bundesliga titles since Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund achieved the feat in 2012.
Leverkusen’s success last season was nothing short of remarkable. The team, once derided as ‘Neverkusen’ for their inability to clinch a league title despite five second-place finishes, turned the tables on their critics by delivering a historic campaign. The transformation was led by Alonso, whose leadership and tactical acumen were instrumental in guiding the team to glory. The mood in the camp ahead of the new season is buoyant, with players and staff alike brimming with confidence.
Forward Nathan Tella, a key player in last season’s success, is among those who believe that Leverkusen can replicate their triumph. Speaking at the team’s pre-season training camp in Donaueschingen, Tella expressed his optimism about the upcoming season. “There’s no reason why we can’t defend the title,” he said. “We’ve seen Bayern do it for so many years. Why can’t we do something similar?”
Tella’s confidence is reflective of a broader shift in mentality at Leverkusen. The club, which has often been overshadowed by the likes of Bayern Munich, Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, now believes that it can compete at the highest level consistently. “There’s no limit to what we can achieve,” Tella added. “Last year, no one believed in us, and at the end of the season, we were undefeated champions. Being a part of this team, anything is possible.”
Leverkusen’s preparations for the new season began on a high note with a victory in the Super Cup against Stuttgart. The match, which saw striker Patrik Schick score an 88th-minute equalizer before Leverkusen triumphed on penalties, was reminiscent of the team’s resilience last season. Much of Leverkusen’s success was built on their ability to score late goals, a trait that could prove crucial once again as they look to defend their title.
One of the key factors behind Leverkusen’s success has been the retention of their core squad, including midfield maestro Florian Wirtz. Despite interest from several of Europe’s biggest clubs, Leverkusen managed to hold onto Wirtz, a player who Tella described as central to the team’s “magic.” Additionally, Alonso’s decision to stay on as head coach, despite interest from clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, has provided a significant boost to the team’s ambitions.
Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, who played more minutes than any other outfield player last season, echoed Alonso’s sentiments on the need for improvement. “I agree with the coach because if there’s one guy who knows, it’s him. If you want to improve year after year, you have to improve year by year,” Xhaka said. The Swiss international emphasized the importance of not only focusing on the positives but also learning from the challenges they faced last season.
The challenge for Leverkusen this season will be to maintain the high standards they set last year while continuing to evolve as a team. Alonso, a serial winner during his playing days, has set the tone for the campaign, insisting that last year’s level “probably wouldn’t be enough” this season. “We need to add something, update it, incorporate other elements. We have to evolve and improve,” the coach remarked.
As Leverkusen embarks on their title defense, the team is fully aware that the road ahead will be challenging. However, with the belief instilled by last season’s triumph and the determination to continue improving, Leverkusen is poised to achieve even greater things this season. The journey begins on Friday against Borussia Moenchengladbach, and the football world will be watching to see if ‘Neverkusen’ can indeed become the new powerhouse of German football.
Since June 2021, Engin Firat has helmed the Harambee Stars, navigating a tumultuous landscape that has left fans and analysts Read more
Hellen Obiri's recent performance at the New York Marathon has left her heartbroken, as she narrowly missed out on the Read more
Eliud Kipchoge, the marathon legend, celebrates his 40th birthday on November 5, 2024. As he marks this significant milestone, it's Read more
Pep Guardiola has openly admitted that Manchester City’s defense of the Premier League title will not come easily, describing it Read more
Australia survived a thrilling encounter in the first ODI against Pakistan, clinching victory by two wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Read more
Max Verstappen faced criticism from British media pundits after a stellar performance at the São Paulo Grand Prix, where he Read more