The defeat that was greeted with the international break will be an opportunity for Xabi Alonso to evaluate the weaknesses of his squad, which at first glance seemed to lie in their defense which was easy to concede. In addition, the strategy used last season must be updated, because it has been read by the opponent. Leverkusen still look collective, but their intensity and ambition in the game have indeed decreased a little. With the same manager and players, Leverkusen can create a positive trend again in the next match against Hoffenheim.
There are many things that need to be evaluated by Xabi Alonso, especially for the defense position because this weakness is the most crucial point. The strategy can be used like last season, but there must be a few changes so that the opponent cannot easily read it. The international break is a point of evaluation that needs to be improved and if not many Leverkusen players strengthen the national team, it will make it easier for Xabi Alonso to see the weak position. Against Hoffenheim, they really have to get full points because if they find unsatisfactory results again, Leverkusen will lose the opportunity to be in the top five of the standings.