Even the German champion from Leverkusen isn’t quite hitting the same level as last season. Ahead of the fourth match-up with VfB this year, we spoke with Bayer expert Sebastian Bergmann from the Rheinische Post.
With the Red Stripe: Hello, Sebastian! Not long ago, we discussed the reigning German champion. It’s great that you’re taking the time for our questions again after the Supercup. Looking back a bit: The Leverkusen fan scene called the Supercup a “fairground trophy,” but in the club itself, which doesn’t have an overly crowded trophy cabinet, the penalty shootout victory surely held more significance, right?
Sebastian: After over 30 years without a single title, I think they’re glad to take the Supercup. In the eyes of many players and club officials, it’s a title to be proud of—even before the August match, they felt that way.
Back then, VfB overturned an early deficit, only to give up the lead in a chaotic phase near the end with a man advantage. What can be learned from that August game for the meeting on Friday?
I don’t think all that much, except the realization that both teams have the potential again this season to compete at the top, both tactically and in terms of gameplay. Even though Leverkusen will field a different team compared to the Supercup.
VfB had to rework and strengthen its squad more extensively, partly due to transfers. How do you see the balance of power between the two teams, which last season captivated the entire league with their football?
Both teams haven’t yet reached last season’s exceptional level, but they remain in the upper ranks. Although the match-up between champion and runner-up is currently “only” a clash between the third and eighth places, the fact that only three points separate Leverkusen and Stuttgart suggests the teams are comparable once again.
Leverkusen was largely able to keep its squad together; the most notable departures were Josip Stanišić, who returned to Bayern, and Adam Hložek, whom TSG Hoffenheim picked up late in the transfer window. At the same time, the team was strengthened with Martin Terrier, Aleix García, and Jeanuel Belocian. Still, after over a year, the team had its first loss and has had more draws recently than they would like. Where do you see the difference compared to the championship season?
The integration of new players is taking longer than last year, when all the transfers hit the mark immediately. We haven’t seen much from Martin Terrier yet, and Aleix García has also not yet lived up to his “star transfer” billing, though both have been solid. Jeanuel Belocian has had limited playing time and is currently sidelined with a training injury. Plus, some established players are still struggling to find form, like Edmond Tapsoba or Granit Xhaka.
Noticeably, Bayer has conceded 15 goals already, whereas last season they allowed only 24 in total. What do you think is behind this?
It’s a combination of somewhat careless defending by the entire team and certain players being out of form, along with individual errors.
Viktor Boniface is currently the top scorer with six goals, while Florian Wirtz has four. Does it feel like last season the goals were more evenly spread?
That’s correct. Patrik Schick, for example, hasn’t scored yet in the league or the Champions League. So far, a lot is depending on Boniface and an outstanding Florian Wirtz. That was different last year and was also a big strength of the championship team.
There were recent reports that Leverkusen is looking for a new goalkeeper in the medium term. What do you think about the situation with Lukas Hrádecký and Matěj Kovář?
Hrádecký is once again playing a solid season, but at over 30, he won’t be at the top level forever. It makes sense for Bayer to look for a successor. Kovář, however, hasn’t shown enough yet to warrant taking over from Hrádecký. And apparently, there are growing doubts that he will be ready to do so anytime soon. The competition for the starting spot in goal, as Xabi Alonso announced before the season, hasn’t really materialized. In the key games, the captain has always been in goal.
In your opinion, what’s possible for Bayer in the three competitions—the team advanced confidently to the Cup Round of 16 this week against Elversberg?
Defending the league title will be tough, though I still think it’s possible if the team finds its rhythm. At least a spot in the top four should be the goal. The Champions League started well, and reaching the Round of 16 is achievable—anything beyond that would be a bonus. In the Cup, should Bayer continue to get favorable draws, another trip to Berlin is possible.
Finally, your prediction for the starting lineup and the score?
Tapsoba, Tah, Hincapié
Frimpong, Xhaka, Andrich, Grimaldo
Note: This interview was translated from German via ChatGPT
Picture: © Lars Baron/Getty Images
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