Bayer Leverkusen's decline: Has the 'magician' Xabi Alonso run out of magic?
With their inconsistent form since the start of the season in the Bundesliga, Bayer Leverkusen are falling quite far behind Bayern Munich in the title race.
Entering the 2024/2025 season, the team nicknamed Die Werkself has maintained its strongest squad. In addition, Bayer Leverkusen has added the services of new signings, notably defender Jeanuel Belocian, midfielder Aleix Garcia, and striker Martin Terrier. Theoretically, Bayer Leverkusen is stronger than they were last season.
Unfortunately, things haven't gone smoothly for the reigning Bundesliga champions. Florian Wirtz and his teammates are clearly inconsistent, with a series of disappointing matches. It seems that Xabi Alonso's team is "losing momentum" after a season of exceptional success (winning the Bundesliga undefeated).
In their most recent match against Bochum, coach Xabi Alonso's team surprisingly drew 1-1. Despite facing an opponent languishing at the bottom of the league table, Bayer Leverkusen were unable to secure all three points. In fact, the BayArena side took the lead thanks to a goal from striker Patrik Schick in the 18th minute.
This isn't the first time this season that Bayer Leverkusen has let a golden opportunity slip through their fingers. Before Bochum's successful comeback, the defending champions had also dropped points against RB Leipzig (2-3), Bayern Munich (1-1), Holstein Kiel (2-2), and Werder Bremen (2-2). Clearly, coach Xabi Alonso's team lacks the necessary focus.
The consequence of that negligence is thatBayer LeverkusenThey have fallen quite far behind in the title race. After 10 rounds, the gap between them and the leading team, Bayern Munich, has widened to 9 points (17 compared to 26). If they don't quickly get back on the winning track, Florian Wirtz and his teammates will soon be dethroned as champions of Germany's most prestigious football league.
Hopefully, this "FIFA Day in November" break will help coach Xabi Alonso thoroughly address the shortcomings currently plagging the Bayer Leverkusen team. Let's wait and see if he succeeds.Spanish strategistCan they find their "magic wand" again to lead the BayArena team out of their current crisis of form?
