Bayer Leverkusen Under Xabi Alonso: From 'Neverkusen' to Champions of Destiny

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 

 

A Night of Grit and Glory: Brazil’s Resilience at the Bernabéu

The Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is a theatre where dreams are made, broken, and often reborn. Beneath the stadium lights and the gentle breeze that whispers through its towering stands, the air brims with passion, competitiveness, and the kind of tension that only football can conjure. When Brazil and Spain locked horns in this iconic arena, the stage was set for a clash that tested not just skill but spirit.

A Dominant Spain, A Faltering Brazil

Spain seized control early, asserting their authority with precision and relentless pressing. Their dominance in the midfield was almost suffocating, with their wide players exploiting the flanks to devastating effect. Brazil, in stark contrast, appeared disjointed. The midfield struggled to find its rhythm, their passes astray, their structure unsteady. At the back, the Canarinhos crumbled under Spain’s consistent pressure, conceding two goals that seemed to put the game out of reach.

At halftime, the scoreboard read 2-0 in Spain’s favour, and the narrative seemed destined to highlight Brazil’s shortcomings. But football, like life, often reserves its most dramatic twists for when hope seems lost.

Rodrygo Goes: A Flicker of Light

Enter Rodrygo Goes, Brazil’s number 10, and a player steeped in the mystique of Real Madrid’s royalty. While not his most polished performance, Rodrygo was Brazil’s spark, tirelessly seeking the ball and crafting opportunities. In the 39th minute, his opportunistic instincts shone through. Capitalizing on a goalkeeper’s error, he finished with composed precision, dinking the ball delicately over the onrushing Spaniard. The goal breathed life into Brazil’s faint hopes and energized a team that had been listless.

Yet, even Rodrygo’s efforts couldn’t mask the inefficiencies of Brazil’s play. Vinícius Júnior, typically a dazzling presence, struggled to make an impact, his finishing betraying his usually clinical nature. Brazil’s midfield woes persisted, with Lucas Paquetá and his counterparts unable to match Spain’s fluidity and coherence.

Endrick: The Spark of a New Era

The tide turned decisively at halftime, not with a tactical overhaul but with the introduction of 17-year-old Endrick. In a team searching for inspiration, the Real Madrid-bound prodigy provided it in abundance. Just four minutes after his introduction, he delivered his second goal for the national team—a clinical strike that underscored his uncanny ability to thrive under pressure.

Endrick’s impact is becoming emblematic of a brighter future for Brazilian football. Unlike some predecessors who chose paths that stunted their growth, Endrick’s decision to align with Real Madrid promises refinement under the tutelage of one of football’s most demanding institutions. He has the hunger and raw talent, and the Bernabéu promises to sculpt him into a champion.

A Test of Character

The match’s closing stages were a testament to Brazil’s indomitable spirit. Trailing 3-2, the Canarinhos threw caution to the wind, committing bodies forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence bore fruit in the dying moments, as Lucas Paquetá—despite an otherwise underwhelming performance—slammed home the equalizer, rescuing Brazil from defeat.

Lessons Beyond the Scoreline

The 3-3 draw at the Bernabéu was not a masterpiece, but it was a narrative rich with lessons. Brazil’s performance was far from flawless, yet it highlighted a critical quality: resilience. In the face of adversity, they fought with grit and determination, refusing to capitulate to Spain’s dominance.

The Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF) decision to arrange friendlies against elite European teams like Spain reflects a welcome shift in strategy. No longer content with hollow victories over weaker sides, Brazil is embracing challenges that expose their vulnerabilities and compel growth. These matches may not always yield wins, but they forge a team capable of competing at the highest level.

A Glimpse of Hope

Brazil may still be a team in transition, but the signs of revival are undeniable. Rodrygo’s leadership, Endrick’s precocious talent, and a collective refusal to accept defeat point to a future filled with promise. As the Bernabéu bore witness to their struggles and triumphs, one thing became clear: the Samba Boys are learning to dance to a tougher, more demanding rhythm—one that may yet lead them back to the pinnacle of world football.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

A New Era Begins: Brazil’s Resurgence at Wembley

In the annals of football, some debuts transcend the immediate narrative of the match, hinting instead at futures laden with promise and glory. Such was the case in 1994 when a relatively unknown Algerian-born talent named Zinedine Zidane stepped onto the pitch for France. The team, reeling from an uninspired era, found its salvation as Zidane scored twice to overturn a dire situation against the Czech Republic. The performance foretold greatness—a spark igniting an illustrious career.

Fast forward 30 years to a cold night at Wembley, a stage steeped in football lore. Brazil, a team weighed down by recent struggles and a shadow of their once-dominant self, faced an England brimming with confidence and talent. Newly appointed manager Junior Dorival, a man entrusted with Brazil’s revival, handed debuts to five players, signalling a bold new direction. Among them was Endrick, a prodigy barely 17 years old. In the 71st minute, he stepped onto the sacred turf, and nine minutes later, he etched his name into the moment with a stunning winner.

A Tactical Masterclass

The 1-0 scoreline belies the nuance of Brazil’s performance. This was no smash-and-grab. Dorival’s tactical acumen was evident in how his side controlled proceedings against an England team celebrated for its incisive attacking play. Deploying Rodrygo Goes as a false nine was a masterstroke, allowing him to drop into pockets of space and link with the dynamic duo of Lucas Paquetá and Bruno Guimarães. Vinícius Júnior, always a spectacle to watch, played with a venomous intent, tormenting England’s defenders with his quicksilver feet and razor-sharp runs.

Brazil’s organization was striking. Compact without the ball and fluid with it, they denied England rhythm and forced them into a reactive stance. The interplays between Vinícius and Rodrygo epitomized Brazil’s traditional flair, but it was married with an unyielding defensive discipline—a combination that made the South Americans the more dangerous team throughout the night.

Endrick: A Star in the Making

Amidst the tactical brilliance, it was the story of Endrick that captured hearts. At 17 years and 246 days, he became not just a debutant but the decisive figure in a marquee clash. His goal wasn’t merely a tap-in; it was a statement—bold and audacious, the kind of impact that only the truly special players manage on their first outing. For Brazil, it was a moment reminiscent of past legends announcing their arrival. For Real Madrid, who secured his services long before his senior debut, it was a vindication of their unparalleled scouting prowess.

The Bigger Picture

Brazil entered Wembley as underdogs, a team perceived to be in decline. Yet, by the final whistle, they had rewritten that narrative. The scoreline, though modest, reflected the maturity of a team undergoing transformation. The flair of old was there, but so was a newfound resilience—an indication that Dorival’s Brazil may well be on the cusp of something significant.

For England, the match served as a sobering reminder of football’s unpredictability. They began as favourites but found themselves chasing shadows for much of the game, struggling to impose their rhythm against a side that combined artistry with grit.

The Road Ahead

This victory is more than a morale boost; it is a declaration of intent. Brazil, under Junior Dorival, has taken its first steps toward resurgence. Consistency will now be the ultimate test. For a team rebuilding its identity, this performance is a foundation upon which to build a new legacy.

As for Endrick, his journey has just begun. Yet, in those electrifying nine minutes at Wembley, he gave the footballing world a glimpse of what might lie ahead—a reminder that, like Zidane in 1994, the greatest players often announce themselves with a moment of magic.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Durban Dogfight: A Triumph of Talent and Tenacity

Cricket is often a test of character as much as it is of skill. It is a battle of patience, strategy, and moments of brilliance that decide the fate of a contest. In the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, Pakistan found itself at a crossroads—capable of greatness but frequently undermined by inconsistency. South Africa, a team defined by discipline and resilience, had never lost a Test to Pakistan before. Yet, over five gripping days, Pakistan’s raw talent, spearheaded by the masterful leg-spin of Mushtaq Ahmed, the fearless strokeplay of Azhar Mahmood, and the sheer pace of Shoaib Akhtar, secured a momentous victory. It was a triumph that resonated far beyond the immediate result, a statement that when Pakistan played to its potential, it could overcome even the most disciplined opposition.

A Clash of Strategies and Selection Gambles

Before the first ball was bowled, both teams had made bold choices in selection. South Africa, backing their pace attack, dropped off-spinner Pat Symcox despite his match-winning heroics in Johannesburg. In his place, they opted for the experienced swing bowler Fanie de Villiers. The home side also saw the return of their captain, Hansie Cronje, from injury, while Hylton Ackerman made his debut, replacing Daryll Cullinan.

Pakistan, too, had its share of forced changes. The absence of Inzamam-ul-Haq, who twisted his ankle in practice, paved the way for Yousuf Youhana (later known as Mohammad Yousuf) to make his Test debut. In the bowling department, they introduced young fast-medium bowler Fazl-e-Akbar in place of Saqlain Mushtaq, opting for a mix of pace and wrist spin.

While South Africa’s decision to rely solely on fast bowling would later haunt them, Pakistan’s gamble on youth and spin would ultimately prove decisive.

Azhar Mahmood’s Audacity Amidst the Ruins

Winning the toss, South Africa asked Pakistan to bat on a surface that offered inconsistent bounce and assistance to the seamers. Their decision seemed justified early on, as Donald and Pollock wreaked havoc, reducing Pakistan to 89 for five. The familiar story of top-order collapses loomed large for Pakistan, with their gifted yet unpredictable batsmen struggling against the probing accuracy of South Africa’s pace duo.

Then, against the tide, emerged Azhar Mahmood. If there was one opposition against whom he had built a reputation for dominance, it was South Africa. Having already scored two centuries against them in the previous series, he once again rose to the occasion with an innings of extraordinary class and composure.

Batting at an unusually low No. 7, Azhar took control with remarkable maturity. He blended aggression with intelligence, taking on the fast bowlers with an array of exquisite drives and cuts. His technique against the short ball was exceptional, as he hooked Donald with authority and drove him straight with confidence. His 132, which included 96 runs in boundaries, was an exhibition of counterattacking brilliance.

Beyond the numbers, however, what stood out was his ability to manage the innings. When wickets kept falling at the other end, Azhar ensured that he protected the tail, facing 80% of the deliveries in his ninth-wicket partnership with Shoaib Akhtar. His second fifty came in just 42 minutes, and he was responsible for 96 of Pakistan’s last 106 runs. By the time he departed, Pakistan had fought their way to 259—a total that, given their early struggles, was nothing short of a rescue act.

Shoaib Akhtar: The Fastest of Them All?

If Azhar’s innings had lifted Pakistan from despair, Shoaib Akhtar’s spell on the second day turned the game in their favor. Shoaib, playing in only his third Test, was still an unpolished diamond—raw, aggressive, and occasionally erratic. Yet, on this day, he was unplayable. Despite carrying a knee injury, he bowled at speeds that rivaled, if not exceeded, those of Allan Donald and Waqar Younis.

His spell of 5 for 43 was a spectacle in itself. Four of his victims were clean bowled, undone by the sheer speed and reverse swing that seemed to come effortlessly to him. The ball that dismissed Hansie Cronje, jagging in sharply to dismantle the stumps, was a moment of pure brilliance. His final wicket, trapping Pollock lbw, ensured South Africa’s innings ended at 231, giving Pakistan a narrow yet crucial 28-run lead.

For those watching, the debate was reignited: Was Shoaib Akhtar now the fastest bowler in the world? His pace, steep bounce, and ability to generate reverse swing at will made him a terrifying prospect. He had single-handedly ripped through South Africa’s lower order, proving that he was more than just raw speed—he was a match-winner in the making.

Saeed Anwar’s Classical Resistance

With momentum on their side, Pakistan approached their second innings with greater confidence. For the first time in 45 Tests since South Africa’s return to international cricket, an opening pair posted a century partnership against them. Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail, two of Pakistan’s most accomplished openers, laid the perfect foundation.

Anwar, the more fluent of the two, displayed his characteristic wristwork and timing. Batting for over five hours, he brought up his fifth Test century, surpassing 2,000 career runs in the process. It was an innings of patience and class, showing that aggression was not always necessary when building a lead.

Yet, as had so often been the case with Pakistan, their dominance was followed by self-destruction. From 187 for one, they collapsed, losing nine wickets for 67 runs. Pollock, relentless as ever, ran through the middle and lower order, claiming six for 50 in a devastating spell. Pakistan, from a position of strength, had squandered the chance to bat South Africa out of the match.

Still, a target of 255 on a deteriorating pitch was a formidable challenge. And with Mushtaq Ahmed waiting, the contest was far from over.

Mushtaq Ahmed’s Decisive Strike

If South Africa had gambled on an all-pace attack, Pakistan had placed their faith in wrist spin. Mushtaq Ahmed, a bowler who thrived on confidence, delivered when it mattered most. His six for 78 was a masterclass in exploiting rough patches and varying his flight and pace.

The South African batsmen, so adept against fast bowling, found themselves hesitant against Mushtaq’s leg-spin. One by one, they fell, their techniques exposed, their footwork uncertain. Even then, South Africa fought, as they always did.

A ninth-wicket stand of 86 between Mark Boucher and De Villiers briefly revived hopes of an improbable comeback. But on the final morning, Pakistan struck the decisive blow, securing a famous victory—South Africa’s first defeat to Pakistan in Test history and their first loss at Kingsmead since 1964-65.

A Victory That Transcended the Scorecard

For Pakistan, this was more than just a win. It was a testament to their ability to rise above their inconsistencies and play to their full potential. Too often, they had been a team of moments—brilliant one day, erratic the next. But in Durban, they combined skill, strategy, and resilience.

Azhar Mahmood’s audacity, Shoaib Akhtar’s fire, Saeed Anwar’s elegance, and Mushtaq Ahmed’s craft had come together in a performance that encapsulated Pakistan’s essence—flawed but formidable, unpredictable yet undeniable.

For South Africa, the defeat was a lesson in the cost of selection errors and the perils of underestimating Pakistan. Their pace attack, for all its excellence, had lacked the variation needed on a wearing pitch.

But for Pakistan, this was a statement. When they played as a unit, they were capable of beating the best. And in Kingsmead, they had done just that.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar 

Neil Wagner: The Relentless Warrior of New Zealand Cricket

In an era where cricket increasingly tilts in favor of batters wielding powerful willows, fast bowlers who challenge this dominance with heart and tenacity become a rare and cherished breed. Neil Wagner, the South African-born New Zealand quick, was one such anomaly—a bowler who made the ball talk, and more importantly, made the cricketing world listen. His retirement on February 26, 2024, marked the end of an era, one defined by sheer willpower, relentless aggression, and a singular devotion to his craft.

Wagner’s journey from Pretoria to New Zealand was not just a geographical shift; it was a passage through adversity, ambition, and transformation. Born on March 13, 1986, he honed his skills at Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool before venturing to New Zealand, driven by the dream of playing Test cricket. His eventual debut in 2012 against the West Indies heralded the arrival of a bowler whose style and spirit would soon become synonymous with New Zealand's resurgence in red-ball cricket.

The Art of Relentless Bowling

Unlike the archetypal left-arm quicks who rely on exaggerated swing or extreme pace, Wagner carved a niche with his unrelenting short-ball strategy. In an era where express pacers crossed 150 km/h and master swing bowlers operated with surgical precision, Wagner’s method was a study in defiance. He hovered around 135 km/h, yet his ceaseless accuracy and tactical ingenuity made him one of the most potent bowlers of his time.

His bowling approach was, at times, an exercise in attrition rather than outright devastation. Where his contemporaries probed for edges or rattled stumps, Wagner chose to suffocate batters with a barrage of short-pitched deliveries, extracting errors through sheer persistence. His craft was particularly vital on flat wickets, where conventional seam and swing were often neutralized. The short-ball ploy, executed with military precision, became his signature.

A telling statistic from a 2022 Cricinfo study revealed that 113 of his 244 wickets at the time had come from deliveries pitched short of a good length. More strikingly, 22.5% of his overall wickets came by breaking partnerships that had endured at least 100 balls—an attribute usually associated with world-class spinners. This was Wagner’s mastery: he was not merely a bowler but a disruptor, a force that fractured opposition resistance at critical junctures.

The Backbone of New Zealand’s Bowling Trinity

The true measure of Wagner’s brilliance is reflected in New Zealand’s golden era of pace bowling, where he formed a formidable trinity alongside Trent Boult and Tim Southee. The three operated in harmony, each bringing a distinct weapon to the Blackcaps’ arsenal—Boult with his prodigious in-swing, Southee with his classical away-swing, and Wagner with his relentless hostility.

Between them, they played 40 Tests together, taking a combined 534 wickets—76.2% of New Zealand’s total wickets in those matches. Their dominance was particularly profound on home soil, where they spearheaded 20 victories against just two losses. Wagner’s presence in this trio was not merely supplementary; it was transformative. He provided a point of difference, an alternative route to success when conventional methods failed.

Yet, despite his stature as a match-winner, Wagner rarely received the new ball. Of the 122 Test innings he bowled in, he opened the attack just six times. His role was predefined: first or second change, the enforcer who unsettled batters once Boult and Southee had finished their initial spells. This selfless adaptability underscored his team-first mentality, a characteristic that made him beloved not just in New Zealand but across the cricketing fraternity.

Memorable Spells and Indelible Moments

Across 64 Test matches, Wagner amassed 260 wickets at an average of 27.57, with nine five-wicket hauls. His finest spell came against the West Indies in 2017, where he ripped through their batting lineup with 7/39, exemplifying his ability to dismantle opponents in a single burst. Two years later, against Bangladesh, he produced another nine-wicket match haul, showcasing his enduring class.

But statistics alone cannot capture Wagner’s essence. He was not just a bowler but a warrior, a man who personified the very spirit of Test cricket. He bowled through two broken toes against Pakistan in 2020, defying medical logic to deliver 49 overs in a match where his breakthroughs proved decisive. In 2023, with a torn hamstring and a bulging disc, he hobbled onto the field to support Kane Williamson in a last-over victory against Sri Lanka, dashing through for a bye to seal the win. He did not need to be there; Blair Tickner, fully fit, was ready to bat. But such was Wagner’s nature—an unwavering commitment to the cause, regardless of personal sacrifice.

A Career Defined by Consistency and Character

Wagner’s bowling average remained remarkably stable across conditions—27.18 at home and 28.31 overseas. Against right-handers, he averaged 26.71; against left-handers, 30.83. His resilience was evident in fourth-innings scenarios, where he took 33 wickets at 24.12—proof of his ability to deliver under pressure. More importantly, his presence often translated into success: New Zealand won 32 of the 64 matches he played, a testament to his impact.

Unlike many great fast bowlers, Wagner never ventured into white-ball cricket at the international level. Despite strong domestic numbers, the evolution of limited-overs formats, with fielding restrictions and power-hitting dominance, meant that his strengths were best suited to Test cricket. And in that realm, he was a titan.

The Final Roar

Cricket is a game that often romanticizes its warriors—players whose contributions transcend mere numbers. Neil Wagner belongs to that rare breed. His legacy is not just in the wickets he took but in the manner he took them: with unwavering intensity, boundless passion, and an unrelenting belief in his craft.

As he bids farewell to international cricket, his spirit lingers—not just in New Zealand’s record books but in the echoes of every bouncer that reared towards a batter’s chin, in the deafening celebrations that followed every hard-earned wicket, and in the enduring image of a man who never knew when to stop.

In an age where cricket often glorifies elegance and artistry, Wagner’s career was a stark reminder that grit, persistence, and an indomitable will can be just as mesmerizing. And for that, the game will forever be indebted to him.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar