As Bayer Leverkusen prepares to face VfB Stuttgart in the German Supercup final this Saturday, head coach Xabi Alonso is leaving no stone unturned in his quest to maintain his team’s hunger for success. The 42-year-old Spaniard, fresh off guiding Leverkusen to their first-ever Bundesliga title in the 2023/24 season, is acutely aware of the new challenges that lie ahead as his team enters the season as the hunted rather than the hunter.
Alonso’s presence on the training pitch has been more pronounced than ever, his voice echoing across the field as he drives home the message that complacency will not be tolerated. “We will be the hunted ones,” Alonso has been telling his players, a sentiment he has also echoed in the media in the days leading up to the Supercup clash. The former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder is determined to ensure that his players remain as hungry and focused as they were during their historic title-winning campaign.
The match against Stuttgart, last season’s Bundesliga runners-up, will be the first true test of whether Leverkusen can handle the pressure of being the favorites. For a team that has spent much of its history chasing success, the shift in mindset required to defend their title is significant. As Swiss international and former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka noted, “This situation is new for most of us, having to defend something and not lean back and be satisfied with past success.”
Alonso has been quick to address the natural mental challenges that come with success. Despite retaining the core of the squad that won the league, he has detected a degree of “title-tiredness” in the team—a complacency that can creep in after a season of unprecedented achievement. The 4-1 defeat in a preseason friendly against Arsenal served as a stark reminder that past glories mean little in the present. “We have been performing under our standards,” Alonso admitted, using the loss as a wake-up call to reignite the ambitions of his squad.
The Spaniard’s meticulous approach extends beyond the tactical aspects of the game. He has been working on the psychological conditioning of his players, reminding them that the new season represents “another marathon” and that a strong start is crucial. This mentality was evident in their recent 1-1 draw against Betis, a match Alonso described as a “step forward” in their preparation. The Supercup final, therefore, is not just a chance to add another trophy to their cabinet, but an opportunity to set the tone for the long season ahead.
Xhaka, one of the leaders in the dressing room, has echoed Alonso’s sentiments. “Last season everyone expected us to hit weak phases, but we, at a certain point, developed unprecedented ambitions and decided to continue,” he said. The disappointment of losing the Europa League final still lingers, providing additional motivation to not only match but exceed last season’s achievements.
Alonso’s challenge now is to manage expectations and maintain focus as his team faces the grueling demands of competing on multiple fronts—the Bundesliga, the German Cup, the Champions League, and the Supercup. He knows that repeating last season’s success will require even greater effort, both physically and mentally.
As the Supercup final approaches, the stakes are clear. For Leverkusen, this match is more than just the curtain-raiser for the new season; it’s a litmus test for their readiness to defend their title and take on the mantle of favorites. Alonso’s message to his players is simple but profound: Forget the past, embrace the challenges ahead, and remain relentless in pursuit of greatness. The hunted must become the hunters once more.
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