Bayer Leverkusen’s Journey: From Triumph to Turmoil
A little over a year and a half ago, Bayer Leverkusen basked in the glow of a remarkable achievement, celebrating an unbeaten season that culminated in a domestic double at the BayArena, surrounded by ecstatic supporters. Under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, who cleverly turned down offers from prestigious clubs like Bayern Munich and Liverpool, the team appeared to be on solid ground, with clear plans for the future being forged by sporting director Simon Rolfes and football director Kim Falkenberg.
Current Challenges and Changes
Fast forward to the present, and the scenario has shifted dramatically as Leverkusen gears up for a match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday at 2:30 p.m. ET. The team that once embodied stability and success now stands in stark contrast, having recently experienced a colossal identity crisis. A staggering reshuffle has occurred with 17 players departing and 21 new faces joining the club. Coach Erik ten Hag‘s exit after only two Bundesliga games this season epitomizes this upheaval, raising eyebrows regarding the club’s decision-making process.
While some might view the sacking of Ten Hag as a hasty choice, Rolfes and CEO Fernando Carro understood early on that Ten Hag’s coaching philosophy did not align with the club’s expectations or its player profiles. In Germany, appointing the right coach goes beyond mere renown; there is a vital need for harmony with the club’s philosophy—something that Ten Hag ostensibly failed to achieve.
Signs of Discord
Initial signs of discord surfaced during a 5-1 embarrassment at the hands of Flamengo’s under-20 team during the club’s pre-season tour in Brazil. This concern escalated after a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Chelsea in a friendly match. My firsthand observations while commentating on these matches painted a bleak picture of a team lacking cohesion and creativity. In their DFB-Pokal opener against Sonnenhof Grossaspach, the 4-0 victory belied Leverkusen’s struggles; the team only found their rhythm late in the game, and even that was against a severely weakened opponent. An underwhelming home performance in their Bundesliga debut against Hoffenheim, where they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat, added to the growing sense of unease.
The painful realization that key players such as Florian Wirtz, Granit Xhaka, and the long-serving captain Lukas Hradecky had all departed only heightened the club’s troubles, particularly after a disappointing 3-3 draw with Werder Bremen. Ultimately, on September 1, the club’s management made the call to dismiss Ten Hag, a decision seen as necessary by many keen observers of German football despite its initial shock value.
A New Direction
Carro has previously mentioned that he and Rolfes frequently discuss potential managerial successors, even during good times—a prudent strategy given the unpredictable nature of football. The club unexpectedly turned to Kasper Hjulmand, a coach whose previous stints have included both highs and lows, like his notable campaign with Denmark in the 2020 Euros. His style, marked by tactical astuteness and pressing, might provide the pragmatic reset the team needs following the more flamboyant approach of Ten Hag.
Hjulmand’s strategy appears to emphasize adaptability and teamwork rather than a rigid adherence to his vision, which should help stabilize the club. By keeping his assistant coach Rogier Meijer on board and elevating Sergi Runge from within the ranks, he is laying a groundwork for a more unified approach.
Looking Ahead
Despite the turmoil, Leverkusen’s new squad may harbor significant potential, although it may take time for chemistry and performance to develop. Fans might do well to temper their expectations for the upcoming match against Frankfurt, as both clubs are grappling with the challenges of significant player losses. In the city renowned for the creation of the aspirin, Hjulmand could very well be the remedy needed to alleviate the recent woes and guide Bayer 04 into a promising new chapter.
