It was Leverkusen that ended Bayern long line of winning Bundesliga title every season. For this season, the title remains with Bayern Munich, Leverkusen are still figuring ways of returning to the competition, they are not prepared for the season which we can see from their performance this few games. Well, important players were sold and new coach was brought in, i know the team shouldn't be expecting much right away, if they make top four that is a best recovery achievement to end the season.
Leverkusen are starting over. Xabi Alonso and Erik ten Hag have different systems you know. They don't adopt the same game plan. So it would take some time to get better...
The championship odds:
- Bayern Munich: 1.29
- Leverkusen: 8.50
- Dortmund: 11.00
As a result, it would be a big surprise even if Leverkusen win the Bundesliga this season.
The board would expect ten Hag to finish in top 4 at worst. The Champions League qualification must be a crucial target at this point.Winning the Bundesliga? It would make him the king there for sure...
Leverkusen are definitely in a rebuilding phase this season because Eric Ten Hag needs to find a system that will work with the players he has available and thatx why expectations shouldn’t be over the roof as for this season. Because honestly speaking for a club to sell off key players and also bring in a new coach with a completely different football philosophy is never an overnight fix i thing that was where Man-U actually messed up with Ten Hag!! Because over the years we hav seen similar transitions in big clubs before most especially clubs like Liverpool & Man City in the Premier League... the first season is usually not about stabilizing or winning some mighty trophies!! but if the chance miraculously comes by then they fight for it but it normaly to set a standard of play not necessarily to chase the title.
But i still think it is unfair to completely write them off!! cazii things happen in football.. Xabi Alonso before switching career to Real Madrid really laid a strong foundation and if ten Hag manages to blend his own style of play to the system with the current squad!! Leverkusen can still surprise people... To me top 4 is a realistic goal but mind you German football always finds ways to shock us I mean Leverkusen had a good run when the likes of Bayern and Dortmund were also challenging.. Althogh! as usual Bayern for sure still looks the safest bet for the Bundesliga this season, but if Leverkusen secures Champions League qualification while adapting to a new system to me that alone would be a massive win for the project.. I wish Teg Hag success because he did wonders with Ajax....