Bayer Leverkusen’s head coach Xabi Alonso highlighted Bayern Munich as the favorites to claim the Bundesliga title this season. This statement comes despite Leverkusen’s remarkable achievement last season, where they clinched their first-ever Bundesliga title and completed a league and cup double.
“For me, the favorites are Bayern, that’s clear,” Alonso stated, looking ahead to the new season. As his team prepares to face Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday, Alonso expressed a realistic outlook for the upcoming campaign. “Our goal is to stay in the top four. That’s realistic — we have a good squad.”
Leverkusen’s triumph last season marked a seismic shift in German football. They ended Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign as Bundesliga champions, leaving Bayern without a major trophy for the first time since the 2011-12 season. In an incredible season for Leverkusen, the team remained unbeaten in the Bundesliga, secured the German Cup, and reached the Europa League final.
As the new season begins, Bayern Munich has been proactive in the transfer market, securing key players such as Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha from the Premier League, and Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart. Additionally, the club has welcomed a new head coach, Vincent Kompany, to lead their campaign to reclaim the Bundesliga title.
Leverkusen, meanwhile, kicked off the season by winning the German Super Cup against Stuttgart, emerging victorious on penalties after a 2-2 draw. Despite this success, Alonso is cautious about resting on past achievements. “Last year was really nice… but we’re starting from scratch again,” he emphasized. “We need to earn everything again. We need to win our points and for that, we need good performances. We know every game will be difficult — and that will be the case against Gladbach.”
Alonso confirmed that his squad is mostly fit for the upcoming match against their derby rivals, Borussia Moenchengladbach, with the exception of Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who is sidelined due to a knee injury.
