- "Focal Point for All": Leverkusen Urges Gladbach's Attention
Spotlight at Borussia Park as title holders Borussia Mönchengladbach square off against Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga's Friday night kickoff. "The excitement is back," stated Leverkusen's title-winning coach Xabi Alonso following their thrilling Super Cup victory last weekend. This win set a tone for an exhilarating season opener, according to the coach.
Before the match on Friday at 8:30 PM (streaming on DAZN and Sat.1), Borussia Mönchengladbach's president Rainer Bonhof commented to the German Press Agency. "This encounter against the reigning champions, cup champions, and Europa League finalists is highly anticipated worldwide and poses a significant challenge for us. I appreciate the choice to begin the season with a Friday night game to boost the Bundesliga's starting attraction," he said.
Alonso Refuses to Be Considered Favorites
Leverkusen, title holders, cup champions, and Europa League champions, return to league play buoyed by their streak of successes and devoid of wearing the title. Experts like Lothar Matthäus consider coach Xabi Alonso's team among the front-runners again. "The management and coach have done an outstanding job in the past two years. Bayer has gained an edge over its competitors, based on last year's season," said Matthäus.**
"This win was a clear statement to our rivals that our hunger is still present," said goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky after the victory in the penalty shootout against the Swabians. Leverkusen's team continues their unbeaten streak in national games with 41 wins, including 34 Bundesliga matches, 6 DFB-Pokal matches, and the Super Cup. Despite his accomplishments, Alonso does not regard his team as favorites. "For me, FC Bayern Munich holds that title. Our goal is to remain within the top 4, which is realistic," he said.
No Personnel Concerns for Leverkusen
Alonso faces no player absences, making an exception for Exequiel Palacios undergoing meniscus surgery. Captain, Julian Baumgartlinger, and wing-back Jeremie Frimpong are back in the lineup. New signings, Martin Terrier and Victor Boniface, will be eligible to play in the league following their suspensions from the Super Cup and only miss the DFB-Pokal.**
"We are eager, and the atmosphere in Mönchengladbach is always lively. We'll have more than 5,000 fans among our supporters," said co-head coach Xabi Alonso.
Mönchengladbach Aims for Redemption
Mönchengladbach relishes the opportunity to compete on the big stage, hoping to demonstrate their growth since the previous season's disappointing performance. "Friday night, Bayer Leverkusen should face a mountain they must climb, rather than a hill. We'll give our all to clinch this win," stated Roland Virkus, Borussia's sporting director, during the Bundesliga's annual summit in the "Rheinische Post" paper.**
Opening Game as a Cup Final
Coach Gerardo Seoane now enjoys better circumstances than last season, with prominent Borussia figures including Tony Jantschke, Patrick Herrmann, and Christoph Kramer leaving the team. In exchange, the Mono's have signed experienced players: Tim Kleindienst, Kevin Stöger, and Philipp Sander.**
"Our recruiting process has been a success, and we've worked diligently on various aspects," stated Rainer Bonhof during the pre-match press conference for the 85th Bundesliga encounter against Leverkusen.
For Bonhof, this administration holds considerable importance. "A contest like this is the highlight of everyone's career. As a player and a team, we wait for such an opportunity to shine. It feels like entering a cup final," said the 1974 World Cup winner.
The German Bundesliga's Friday night matchup between Borussia Mönchengladbach and Bayer Leverkusen is highly anticipated, especially considering Leverkusen's recent successes in the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and Europa League. Borussia Mönchengladbach's president Rainer Bonhof acknowledges this encounter as a significant challenge and an excellent start to boost the Bundesliga's opening attraction.
Despite their numerous titles, Bayer Leverkusen's coach Xabi Alonso does not consider them favorites for the Bundesliga, setting his team's goal to remain within the top 4 this season.
