Bundesliga - Double-Sieger Leverkusen starts new season
German football champion Bayer Leverkusen begins preparations for the new season. A large part of the squad of successful trainer Xabi Alonso underwent the mandatory performance diagnosis. Present were also the newly signed midfielder Aleix Garcia from FC Girona and the French U21-National player Jeanueł Belocian, who joined from Rennes. The eleven professionals, who participated in the EM (9) or the Copa America (2), will be expected back after a three-week holiday.
On Monday (11.00 AM) the first team training is scheduled. "The last season was beautiful, but it is now over. The gaze goes forward. The title defense does not change that – we start from scratch," said Sportchef Simon Rolfes to "Bild". His goal: "We want to mix it up at the top again."
The first test match of the double winner takes place on July 26 against third division side Rot-Weiss Essen. The refinement should take place in the training camp from July 28 to August 2 in Donaueschingen. In addition, there are further games scheduled on August 3 against RC Lens and on August 7 against FC Arsenal.
The league opener against VfB Stuttgart as vice-champion is on August 17 (8.30 PM). Almost a week later, the Werkself as title holder opens the new Bundesliga season against Borussia Mönchengladbach on August 23 (8.30 PM).
- Xabi Alonso and his title-defending Bayer Leverkusen team are set to face a challenging preseason, with matches against RC Lens and FC Arsenal scheduled.
- Despite their success in the previous season, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, led by Xabi Alonso, are treating their title defense as a fresh start, focusing on competing at the top of the Bundesliga again.
- As part of their preparations for the new Bundesliga season, Bayer Leverkusen, based in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, will be training in Donaueschingen from July 28 to August 2.
- Rennes' French U21-National player Jeanueł Belocian and FC Girona's Aleix Garcia are among the new additions in Xabi Alonso's squad, joining a team that includes players who represented Germany in the EM and players who represented their countries in the Copa America.
- Bayer Leverkusen, who clinched the title last season, will face fierce competition in their title defense, with their first Bundesliga match of the new season against Borussia Mönchengladbach on August 23.
