Bayern second again - Leverkusen "formidable" rival
After a night at the top of the Bundesliga table, FC Bayern Munich has had to let rival Bayer Leverkusen pass them again.
"I think Leverkusen are doing well," said President Herbert Hainer in Munich. They themselves have eleven wins and two draws, but are only second. "Then you have to say that Leverkusen are a formidable competitor."
The Werkself had clearly won their home game against 1. FC Union Berlin 4:0 on Sunday. Alejandro Grimaldo (23rd minute), Odilon Kossounou (56th), Jonathan Tah (73rd) and Nathan Tella (83rd) secured the tenth win in the eleventh league match of the season. Bayer (31 points) lead the table ahead of Munich (29) and Stuttgart (24). Leipzig (23) and Dortmund (21) follow.
CEO holds out prospect of Tuchel's additions in winter
"I don't think you should underestimate Dortmund and Leipzig, but Leverkusen are doing very, very well," said Hainer. "They have a coach, we've also worked with him a bit. He played for us for a long time. He's doing really well." Xabi Alsono played for FC Bayern from 2014 to 2017.
The Munich side took over first place for one night with a 4-2 win over 1. FC Heidenheim. "I hope Leverkusen go into draw mode," said Thomas Müller. They will make another attempt to return to first place on the next matchday.
With a view to the understaffed squad, CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen held out the prospect of coach Thomas Tuchel making additions in the winter. "It's a well-known fact that we're looking at a few things, of course, and where we would then tend to make a move if we find the right one," said Dreesen. Munich could do with reinforcements, particularly in defense.
- Despite FC Bayern Munich temporarily taking the lead in the Bundesliga with a 4-2 victory against 1st FC Heidenheim, Bayer Leverkusen's impressive performance under their former player and current coach, Xabi Alonso, has them leading the table with 31 points, making them a formidable rival for Bayern's 1st position.
- As the Bundesliga season progresses, FC Bayern Munich's CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, has suggested that coach Thomas Tuchel may look into making transfers in the winter to bolster the understaffed squad, especially in the defense, in order to maintain a strong challenge against rivals such as Leverkusen.
- Although Bayern Munich and 1st FC Heidenheim played against each other, the focus of the Bundesliga conversation at the moment is on Leverkusen, who are currently in 1st place with eleven wins and two draws, blowing past Bayern's 29 points, and showcasing their competitiveness in the Bundesliga against elite teams like FC Bayern Munich and other top contenders.
Source: www.dpa.com
