One 12 months on from their beautiful unbeaten Bundesliga title triumph, new Bayern Leverkusen coach Erik Ten Hag has been handed the duty of rebuilding the membership, alongside along with his personal repute.
Leverkusen open their Bundesliga season at dwelling in opposition to Hoffenheim on Saturday after a turbulent summer season, with high-profile departures on and off the pitch, rendering the facet unrecognisable from the 2023-24 double winners.
The architect of that success, Xabi Alonso, has moved on to Actual Madrid and brought his backroom workers with him.
Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, Jonathan Tah, Jeremie Frimpong and Lukas Hradecky — all pillars in Leverkusen’s double-winning season — additionally left this summer season, with others rumoured to be heading out the door.
Of their place are a number of thrilling if inexperienced newcomers, together with Jarell Quansah, Malik Tillman and Ernest Poku, with a number of extra reportedly on their manner.
Along with his repute taking successful after a tough spell at Manchester United, regardless of profitable the FA Cup and League Cup, Ten Hag can be searching for a reboot.
The Dutchman mentioned as a lot in his opening press convention in August. When requested about following on from Leverkusen’s glory days, the 55-year-old mentioned “you possibly can’t sail as we speak on the wind from yesterday.”
The coach was assured however requested for endurance, saying it will take him some time to weave his magic.
“Nobody is Harry Potter, constructing a staff so shortly and being profitable on the similar time. That’s not how top-level soccer works.”
In Ten Hag’s debut within the German Cup on Friday, Leverkusen overcame some early nerves — and a 45-minute storm interruption — to beat fourth-division Grossaspach 4-0.
The coach praised his fees after the win however mentioned “you possibly can see that not all of the processes are working but. It takes time.”
Away from the scrutiny he confronted at Previous Trafford, one of many world’s largest golf equipment, Ten Hag will likely be given time at Leverkusen.
In an interview with AFP and different media final week, former Germany, United States and Bayern Munich coach Jurgen Klinsmann backed Ten Hag to “drive Leverkusen to their most of success.
“Leverkusen should redefine their objectives, since you can’t anticipate them to win the championship now.
“The aim will likely be attending to a Champions League spot and perhaps profitable the German Cup, and doing nicely in Europe as nicely.
“Erik completely has the information, the charisma and the capabilities to do very well.”
One to look at: Harry Kane
Usually not one to rock the boat, Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane hit out at his facet’s lack of switch exercise forward of his third season within the Bundesliga.
Contemporary from scoring the opener in Saturday’s 2-1 Tremendous Cup win over Stuttgart, Kane mentioned he felt the facet have been “gentle” and hoped for extra reinforcements.
“It’s one of many smallest squads I’ve performed in,” Kane informed reporters after the win. “(However) there’s nonetheless time till the top of the switch window.
“We have now a few actually good younger gamers who’ve completed nicely within the pre-season video games however we’re a little bit gentle if we’re being sincere.”
After dropping Thomas Mueller, Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Joao Palhinha, Eric Dier and Mathys Tel, Bayern have introduced in solely two skilled signings: Germany centre-back Tah and winger Luis Diaz, who scored the winner on Saturday.
With Jamal Musiala injured and unlikely to return till 2026, Kane might want to carry a heavier burden than normal up entrance.
Key stats
12/13 – Defending champions Bayern have received 12 of the previous 13 Bundesliga titles, with solely Leverkusen’s 2023-24 championship breaking the streak.
7 – Six-time German champions Hamburg are again within the prime flight after seven seasons within the second division.
62 – Harry Kane has 62 objectives in 63 Bundesliga video games for Bayern, together with 18 assists.
Fixtures (1330 GMT until said)
Friday
Bayern Munich v RB Leipzig (1830)
Saturday
Bayer Leverkusen v Hoffenheim, Union Berlin v Stuttgart, Freiburg v Augsburg, Heidenheim v Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt v Werder Bremen, St Pauli v Borussia Dortmund (1630)
Sunday
Mainz v Cologne, Borussia Moenchengladbach v Hamburg (1530)
dwi/mw
Leave a Reply