Dortmund has always tried hard to compete with Bayern Munich for the Bundesliga title, but its efforts have always failed to surpass Bayern strength. Leverkusen presence in the title race has put Dortmund under even more pressure, the situation Dortmund is experiencing is almost the same as Arsenal in the EPL, their strength is still below other top teams.
The change of coach and the departure of several top players means that Leverkusen must regroup its strengths. Ten Hag also needs to adapt to his new club so that Leverkusen can maintain the momentum like when handled by Xabi Alonso. We will soon see how Ten Hag is able to handle his new club, but considering the strength of Bayern Munich which is still very strong, he will have a hard time achieving what was achieved in the Alonso era.
Every team has a time that they tend to regroup and focus more on making some more progress in the team when they have some shortage of formidable squad. They can only feel the absence of this top players if Ten Hag is not productive enough to be able to handle this top teams in the Bundesliga. I am still very much optimistic on Bayern Leverkusen to be a title contender for the Bundesliga next season despite having changes to their squad. They look like a team that will fight for this title for a longer time that they would in just one or two season we have seen from them so far. Bayern Leverkusen should focus on prioritising team work now more than anything. With a good mindset towards the games, they will come out greatly by end of the season.