FC Bayern second: Leverkusen "formidable" rival
After a night at the top of the Bundesliga table, FC Bayern Munich had to let rival Bayer Leverkusen pass them again. "I think Leverkusen are doing well," said President Herbert Hainer in Munich on Sunday. 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.
"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 of course looking at things a bit and where we would then tend to make a move if we find the right one," said Dreesen on Sunday evening. Munich could do with reinforcements, particularly in defense.
- Despite FC Bayern Munich's temporary takeover of first place with a 4-2 win over 1st FC Heidenheim, Bayer Leverkusen's impressive form in the Bundesliga, with eleven wins and two draws, has kept them ahead, making Leverkusen a formidable competitor for potential transfers.
- During the Annual General Meeting, FC Bayern Munich's CEO, Jan-Christian Dreesen, mentioned the possibility of coach Thomas Tuchel making winter transfers, particularly in defense, as the squad is currently understaffed.
- Bayer Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso, who played for FC Bayern Munich from 2014 to 2017, has been instrumental in their success in the Bundesliga, providing a potential advantage during potential transfer negotiations between the two clubs.
Source: www.dpa.com
