Xabi should bring Leverkusen with the target to defend the title, because somehow they can do it and with their current form they are very likely to do it. Despite the unsatisfactory results they experienced at the beginning of the season, but now they have been able to get back on track, they have won a series of wins and that is a good capital and it should make their confidence even better. In the Champions League they also performed well and they are in 4th place now, they have a big chance to go further, especially to be able to qualify directly to the round of 16. So they should have a high target now.
After having dream end of their last season now things are challenging for them with few poor weeks surely hurt them, but now they are back in business and Xabi Alonso surely better understand how things could back into control for the title race we have long season left and changes are essential just need consistency and better team work which is now going through from Bayer Leverkusen players injuries are surely problem but now with the improvement in performance they have enough chances to take another title.
Their performance in all events are good, and they surely will be back stronger in next phase of this season while their Champions League record is also good 4th spot mean they could be directly into top 16 they will be able to have chance of jumping into last 8 which could be impressive for them because this will increase their confidence.