The roar of the crowd, the crisp German air, and a debut goal from American international Malik Tillman – it had all the hallmarks of a dream start for Eric Ten Hag’s new era at Bayer Leverkusen. Yet, as the final whistle blew, sealing a bewildering 3-3 draw against a ten-man Werder Bremen, the air at the Weserstadion wasn`t thick with celebration, but rather a palpable sense of unease. Leverkusen, twice up by two goals, had managed to snatch a single point from the jaws of a comfortable victory, leaving more questions than answers about their readiness for the season ahead.
The Weight of a Legacy: Following Xabi Alonso`s Footsteps
Just two seasons ago, the BayArena faithful were basking in the glow of an improbable Bundesliga title, orchestrated by the tactical genius of Xabi Alonso. His team was a relentless force, famously snatching points from impossible situations, a masterclass in composure and tactical prowess. Alonso’s departure to Real Madrid this summer, while understandable given his meteoric rise, left a chasm far wider than just a vacant manager`s seat. It left behind an expectation, a ghost of an invincible team, now haunting the early days of a new regime.
Enter Eric Ten Hag, fresh off an FA Cup victory with Manchester United but dismissed the following year. Leverkusen`s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, articulated the club`s faith in Ten Hag`s developmental philosophy and attacking style. “His ability, also with Ajax he worked with young players, but as well with United with some young ones, and that we like to play a dominant football, attacking football,” Rolfes noted, highlighting the desired continuity in club identity. A commendable vision, perhaps, but one that immediately collided with the harsh realities of a complete squad overhaul.
A Team in Transition: More New Faces Than Familiar Ones
The challenge facing Ten Hag is not merely tactical; it`s existential. With star Florian Wirtz and eight other major outgoings, Leverkusen’s dressing room resembles a new orientation week more than a seasoned professional squad. This isn`t merely a tweak; it`s a full-scale rebuild. The initial signs are, predictably, shaky. Tillman himself, despite his promising debut goal, didn`t mince words about the dressing room sentiment: “We played like boys today and not men. He also said it`s embarrassing how we finished the game, so the mood wasn`t great.” A candid admission that speaks volumes about the current state of affairs.
The absence of veteran leaders, like the departed Granit Xhaka, is acutely felt. In moments of crisis, the ability to rally the troops, to steady the ship, becomes paramount. Now, the burden falls on new, often younger shoulders, or on incoming experienced players like Lucas Vazquez. Rolfes acknowledges Vazquez`s potential impact: “[Lucas Vazquez] will help a lot, and during the week, it`s also important if you have role models, high professional players like Lucas or, for example, Grimaldo who are role models for younger guys to see, what do I have to do every day to get better.” The theory is sound, but integration takes time, a luxury rarely afforded in elite football.
Tillman`s Promise Amidst Defensive Woes
Malik Tillman, at 23, represents the future. Back in Germany after stints with Greuther Furth, Bayern Munich, and PSV Eindhoven, his debut goal was a bright spot. Coming off an injury and not yet at 100% fitness, his ability to make an immediate impact is a testament to his quality. Leverkusen hopes to build their attack around dynamic players like him. Yet, individual brilliance can only paper over cracks for so long.
Defensively, the team felt “complacent at times.” With an almost entirely new backline, including Mark Flekken in goal and Jarell Quansah and Loic Bade forming a new center-back pairing, cohesion is a distant dream, not a current reality. The expectations, perhaps inflated by the recent title, clash sharply with the practicalities of bedding in so many new components simultaneously.
The Uphill Battle for Champions League Football
Sporting director Rolfes maintains a long-term perspective: “It`s important to see that we`re moving in the right direction. That we`re working in the right way, and maybe you have challenges and disappointments. That`s a part of the sport of life.” While philosophically sound, the Bundesliga offers little room for philosophical meanderings. Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund remain formidable, with Eintracht Frankfurt also vying for European spots. Leverkusen faces a tight race with Stuttgart and Freiburg, among others, for those coveted Champions League berths.
A slow start, particularly one punctuated by blown leads against lesser opponents, creates immense pressure. The international break, while offering a respite, also presents a crossroads. For players like Tillman, not on international duty, it’s an opportunity to forge crucial bonds and build fitness. For the team as a whole, it’s a moment to either internalize the lessons from Bremen or allow the disappointment to fester.
Ten Hag`s tenure will be defined by his ability to navigate this turbulent period. New faces may yet arrive before the transfer window closes, but genuine stability will only come from within. Leverkusen needs to rediscover its identity, shed the ghost of past glory, and build a cohesive unit. The journey has just begun, and the road ahead is anything but smooth. It`s a challenging, perhaps unenviable, task, but one that promises to be a fascinating chapter in the club`s history – assuming, of course, they can transform those whispers of doubt into roars of renewed conviction.
Gareth Pendleton