- Bayer prepares to uphold its reign as champion
Xabi Alonso wasn't swayed. "We're not playing blindly," the Bayer Leverkusen manager responded when queried about keeping their undefeated streak going after their Supercup triumph against VfB Stuttgart. "What took place the previous season is history," the Spaniard mentioned in a Sky interview. "It was fantastic. We need to concentrate on the upcoming challenges."
In their inaugural game of the 2024/25 season, the two-time champions, set to commence the German football league campaign at Borussia Mönchengladbach on a Friday, exhibited the traits that left their opponents grasping for breath last season. Stuttgart led 2-1 until moments before the final whistle, but Patrik Schick's equalizer instigated a penalty shootout, which Bayer conquered 4-3 (2-2, 1-1) after Lukas Hradecky thwarted Frans Krätzig and Stuttgart's Silas missed.
"There's no denying this is a definitive message to the other teams that we aim to be contenders again," stated goalkeeper Hradecky. "And for us, that we haven't lost our appetite."
Leverkusen's vigor following Martin Terrier's dismissal (37') sparked sporting director Simon Rolfes' enthusiasm for the new campaign. "The adrenaline is back," he enthusiastically asserted. "It was pivotal to rekindle this feeling. It provides us with impetus for the forthcoming matches. That we're prepared to perform under pressure."
Jonathan Tah, despite not starting, was introduced as a substitute right before halftime. Whether the speculated transfer of the international defender to FC Bayern will ensue remains foggy. "He's a crucial player and very emotionally attached to his teammates and supporters," Rolfes commented on the ongoing gossip of the past few weeks. "There's no latest update, and nothing that makes me question that Jonathan will remain with us."
In the transfer window, there were rumors about defender Jonathan Tah potentially moving to FC Bayern, a team based in Germany.
Regardless of these speculations, Bayer Leverkusen looks forward to facing tough competition in the German football league, aiming to maintain their form against opponents like FC Bayern.
