Bayer Leverkusen is determined to continue its success after an unbeaten league and cup double last season. The team kicks off the 2024-25 Bundesliga campaign against local rivals Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday. Many believe Xabi Alonso’s team could be the first non-Bayern Munich side to win back-to-back German titles since Jurgen Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund in 2012. Despite strong competition from Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and RB Leipzig, Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella remains confident in another remarkable season.
Confidence in the Team’s Potential
Tella expressed optimism during Leverkusen’s pre-season training camp in Donaueschingen. He stated, “We can defend the title. We’ve seen Bayern do it for years. Why can’t we?” Last year, Leverkusen surprised everyone by finishing as undefeated champions. Tella emphasized that anything is possible with this team.
From ‘Neverkusen’ to Champions
Leverkusen’s success marked a turnaround for a club once mocked as ‘Neverkusen’ for failing to win a league title despite several near-misses. The transformation began with their performance last season. In the Super Cup against Stuttgart, Patrik Schick scored an 88th-minute equalizer, and Leverkusen won on penalties. This victory showcased the team’s resilience and set the tone for the season.
The Magic of Leverkusen’s Squad
During pre-season, Leverkusen trained at the venue where Spain launched their Euro 2024 campaign. When asked if the team could benefit from Spain’s “magic,” Tella confidently said, “No, we have our own magic.” He highlighted Florian Wirtz, Leverkusen’s midfield maestro, as a key player in their success. Despite interest from Europe’s biggest clubs, Leverkusen retained Wirtz and the rest of their squad over the summer.
Alonso’s Commitment and Vision
Coach Xabi Alonso has committed to staying for another season, despite interest from major clubs like Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich. Granit Xhaka, a key midfielder, explained that Alonso wants to prove the team can replicate their success. “He believes in this team,” Xhaka said. “He trusts we can do the same thing this year.”
The Drive to Improve
Bayern Munich’s dominance in the Bundesliga has always relied on a constant desire to improve. Leverkusen, despite their success, is not resting on their laurels. Alonso set the tone in pre-season, emphasizing that last year’s performance “probably wouldn’t be enough” this season. He stressed the need to evolve and add new elements to the team’s game.
Aiming for Even Higher Standards
Xhaka agreed with Alonso, saying the team must focus on both strengths and weaknesses to improve. Tella, who joined Leverkusen after a successful season with Burnley, is also focused on growth. Last season, he scored seven goals and assisted six. Tella remarked, “The standards we set last year were so high. We want to get close to it again, if not beat those standards.”
Conclusion
As Bayer Leverkusen starts the 2024-25 season, the team is driven to build on its historic achievements. With a strong squad, a committed coach, and belief in their potential, Leverkusen is ready to challenge the Bundesliga’s established order once again. Fans will be watching closely to see if the team can continue their magical run for a second consecutive season. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
