Bundesliga 2024-25: Xabi Alonso targets top-four finish for Bayer Leverkusen
Bayer Leverkusen's head coach, Xabi Alonso, has set a top-four finish as the team's objective for the upcoming 2024-25 Bundesliga season. This announcement comes despite Leverkusen's remarkable domestic double in the previous season. "For me, the favorites are Bayern, that's clear," Alonso stated during a press conference ahead of Friday's Bundesliga opener against Borussia Moenchengladbach. Leverkusen will be aiming to defend their title and keep Bayern at bay. Here's more.
Leverkusen's historic victory and Bayern's trophyless season
Last season, Leverkusen clinched the Bundesliga title for the first time in their history. Notably, they went unbeaten in the campaign, becoming Invincibles. This victory ended Bayern Munich's 11-year dominance in the German league and marked their first season without a trophy since 2011-12. Despite these achievements, Alonso emphasized that last year's success was "in the past" and insisted on starting anew this season.
Leverkusen's unbeaten streak and Super Cup victory
Leverkusen have maintained an unbeaten record in Germany since May 2023. Last season, they became the first team to complete a Bundesliga campaign without a single defeat. They also won the DFB-Pokal and reached the UEFA Europa League final. The new season began with Leverkusen defeating Stuttgart in a penalty shootout during the German Super Cup following a 2-2 draw.
Xhaka urges team to aim for Bundesliga title
Leverkusen's key player, Granit Xhaka, has urged his teammates to aim for the Bundesliga title again in the new season. "We know people are hoping to beat us, they will try and they will do everything. But we still have the hunger to be where we were last season," he stated during a pre-season training camp.
Xhaka reflects on criticism and invincible status
Xhaka, who faced criticism during his tenure at Arsenal, believes it has played a crucial role in his resurgence at Leverkusen. He returned to north London for a pre-season friendly as an 'invincible' after Leverkusen's unbeaten Bundesliga campaign last season. Despite never envisioning himself emulating Arsenal's invincibles, he expressed pride and happiness over being part of such a feat in Germany.
