In the unforgiving world of football, titles define legacies. Reiner Calmund, former Bayer Leverkusen sporting director, once lamented, "You are worth nothing without a title." For decades, Leverkusen epitomized that harsh reality. Mocked as Vizekusen in Germany or Neverkusen in English, the club was branded as eternal bridesmaids—gloriously talented but forever bereft of glory.
Between
1997 and 2002, Leverkusen finished Bundesliga runners-up four times, a fate
that compounded their image as nearly men. The nadir came in the 2001-02 season
when the team spectacularly collapsed across three competitions. Having thrown
away the Bundesliga title, they succumbed to Schalke in the DFB-Pokal final and
were undone by Zinedine Zidane’s iconic volley in the Champions League decider.
Manager Klaus Toppmöller encapsulated the heartbreak, declaring, “The
disappointment is huge. You don’t always get the rewards you deserve in
football.”
Even in
subsequent years, moments of hope dissolved into near misses, the club’s
reputation as football’s unluckiest team persisting. But in the 2023-24 season,
under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, Leverkusen rewrote history, transforming
from a symbol of missed opportunities into undefeated Bundesliga champions.
The Xabi Alonso Effect: Turning Doubts into
Dominance
When Alonso
was appointed in October 2022, the move was met with scepticism. Here was a
footballing legend, revered for his composure on the pitch, stepping into elite
management after a modest stint with Real Sociedad’s B-team. Simon Rolfes,
Leverkusen's sporting director, admitted it was a gamble but noted, “I was
convinced of his ability—and Xabi was convinced of our squad.”
This mutual
belief paid dividends. Alonso not only revived a faltering team but also
instilled a culture of confidence. As Jeremie Frimpong remarked, “You’ve got to
respect him. He’s won everything: the Champions League and World Cup. He knows
how to use the team, our abilities, our weaknesses.”
Leverkusen
climbed from second-bottom to sixth by the end of Alonso’s first season,
setting the stage for a historic 2023-24 campaign.
Building a Winning Machine: Tactical Mastery
and Squad Evolution
Alonso's
tactical ingenuity has been central to Leverkusen’s transformation. His
approach is a symphony of positional fluidity and calculated risks. In the
build-up phase, Leverkusen often operate with an asymmetrical 4-2-3-1
formation, exploiting space on the flanks through precise long switches. As
attacks progress, the team morphs into a 3-2-5, prioritizing central dominance
to carve through defensive lines.
This
fluidity is mirrored in the players’ adaptability. Left-back Alejandro Grimaldo
frequently drifts into midfield, while wingers interchange positions, causing
havoc for opponents. The high backline ensures compactness, enabling swift
counter-pressing. Alonso’s philosophy thrives on cohesion, where every player
contributes to both attack and defence.
However,
tactical sophistication alone doesn’t win titles. Recognizing the need for
seasoned performers, Alonso bolstered his squad with experienced additions.
Granit Xhaka brought leadership and grit to midfield, while Jonas Hoffman and
Alex Grimaldo added flair and consistency. Victor Boniface, a relatively
unheralded striker, emerged as the spearhead of Leverkusen’s attack,
contributing 24 goals before injury struck mid-season.
Even
setbacks failed to derail the team. Injuries to key players like Boniface were
mitigated by the emergence of Amine Adli and Patrik Schick’s resurgence. The
squad’s depth was showcased in the Europa League, where fringe players like
Josip Stanisic and Nathan Tella gained valuable experience, reinforcing
Alonso’s rotation strategy.
A New Identity: From Fragility to Invincibility
Leverkusen’s
evolution under Alonso is as much psychological as tactical. The team’s ability
to stay composed under pressure reflects their coach’s influence. Grimaldo
encapsulated this shift: “We remain loose and calm, no matter the
circumstances, because of the confidence Xabi has instilled in us.”
This mental
fortitude has fueled a series of dramatic late comebacks, with winger Adli
revealing, “We always have the feeling that we are not going to lose.” It is
this unwavering belief that has seen Leverkusen not only remain unbeaten
domestically but also contend for a historic treble.
The Dawn of a New Era
The
statistics underscore Leverkusen's dominance: just 23 goals conceded, a
league-best defensive record and an offensive output surpassed only by
Manchester City in Europe. Florian Wirtz, the team’s creative linchpin, has
established himself as one of Europe’s finest playmakers, contributing 18 goals
and 19 assists. Grimaldo and Frimpong, meanwhile, have redefined the role of
wing-backs, combining for an astonishing 53 goal involvements.
Alonso’s
meticulous planning extends beyond tactics. His ability to foster trust and
camaraderie within the squad has been instrumental. As he noted, “The coach has
an idea, and the players must believe him. This is why human relationships come
before tactics.”
From
'Neverkusen' to 'Neverlusen'
Leverkusen’s
transformation is complete. They are no longer the tragic figures of German
football but its newest champions. As they prepare for the Europa League and
DFB-Pokal finals, the narrative has shifted from heartbreak to hope, from
nearly men to invincibles.
Former
manager Toppmöller’s words now carry a tone of pride rather than pity: “My
former club has a huge chance to put the name Vizekusen behind them.” Indeed,
Bayer Leverkusen has not only shed its old nickname but also carved a new legacy
as 'Neverlusen'—a moniker that speaks to their resilience and newfound destiny
as winners.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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