Bayer Leverkusen, a club basking in the afterglow of an improbable Bundesliga triumph just two seasons prior, finds itself at a pivotal crossroads. The departure of managerial maestro Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid has ushered in a new era under Erik ten Hag, an era that began with a jarring 3-3 draw against a ten-man Werder Bremen. While American midfielder Malik Tillman enjoyed a dream debut goal, the result has cast a long shadow, raising profound questions about the team`s readiness for the challenges ahead and the monumental task facing their new Dutch tactician.
A Debut Dream, A Team`s Nightmare
The Weserstadion atmosphere, initially charged with the optimism of a new season and a new era, quickly soured. Tillman`s clinical finish in his Leverkusen debut offered a glimpse of individual brilliance, a moment of joy for the USMNT prospect stepping up from PSV Eindhoven. Yet, this personal triumph was tragically overshadowed by a collective capitulation. Twice holding a two-goal lead against a numerically disadvantaged Werder Bremen, Leverkusen faltered, ultimately surrendering two crucial points in a dramatic 3-3 draw.
The frustration was palpable. Tillman, reflecting on the immediate aftermath, relayed a candid assessment from the dressing room: “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.” These words, presumably from Ten Hag, paint a stark picture of a team struggling with composure and maturity under pressure—qualities that were once the hallmark of Alonso`s champions.
Stepping Out of a Giant Shadow: The Alonso Legacy
The contrast with the Xabi Alonso era could not be starker. Just two seasons ago, Leverkusen defied all expectations, transforming into the Bundesliga`s “stoppage-time menaces,” routinely snatching victories from the jaws of defeat. Alonso, a manager seemingly always in full command, had instilled an unyielding spirit and a clear tactical identity. His departure, though amicable, left a void that was always going to be challenging to fill.
For Erik ten Hag, this is not merely a new job; it is a profound philosophical and practical re-engineering project. Coming to Leverkusen after a turbulent spell at Manchester United – where he secured an FA Cup but ultimately faced dismissal – Ten Hag arrives with a mandate to rebuild and redefine. Sporting director Simon Rolfes expressed confidence in Ten Hag`s capabilities, citing his track record in player development, particularly with young talents at Ajax and United, and his commitment to “dominant, attacking football.”
“It`s 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 stated. “He`s shown especially with Ajax, and I think that it`s key elements that we have to develop and focus on.”
The irony, perhaps, lies in the timing. Ten Hag`s vision for development and attacking prowess must now contend with the immediate pressure of upholding the standards set by a recent champion, all while navigating a major squad overhaul.
The Roster Riddle: New Faces, Missing Pillars
Leverkusen`s challenge extends far beyond the dugout. The club has seen eight major outgoings, including influential figures like Florian Wirtz and the seasoned leadership of Granit Xhaka, now at Sunderland. This significant churn means Ten Hag is tasked with implementing a new system with a roster featuring more new faces than experienced mainstays.
The absence of a battle-hardened leader like Xhaka was keenly felt in Bremen. While new additions like Lucas Vazquez are expected to provide experience and mentorship for younger players, the immediate leadership vacuum is evident. Tillman himself acknowledged the team`s need for cohesion: “We are one group and we should stick together on the pitch. We`ve all been in this situation before, so it shouldn`t be the way it was.”
Individually, Tillman`s debut offered promise. Despite limited touches in 61 minutes, he demonstrated his attacking instincts. The American midfielder, still finding his 100% fitness after injury, possesses the dynamism Leverkusen can build around. However, personal milestones will ring hollow if the collective structure remains fractured, particularly in defense, where the team`s vulnerability was starkly exposed. With a largely new defensive line, including Mark Flekken in goal and a new center-back pairing of Jarell Quansah and Loic Bade, understanding and communication are paramount.
High Expectations, Hard Realities, and the Road Ahead
The post-Alonso era arrives with a heavy burden of expectation. After a title-winning season, anything less than a fight for Champions League qualification will be deemed a disappointment. Yet, the current state suggests that such lofty ambitions might be premature for what is undeniably a transition season.
The Bundesliga landscape offers no respite. Powerhouses Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are formidable, while Eintracht Frankfurt is also a strong contender. This leaves Leverkusen in a tight scramble with VfB Stuttgart, Freiburg, and other emerging forces for those coveted European spots. A slow start, as demonstrated against Bremen, only exacerbates the challenge.
The international break arrives as a double-edged sword. For players like Tillman, not on national duty, it presents a crucial window to work closely with Ten Hag, improve match fitness, and assimilate further into the squad`s philosophy. Conversely, a period of inaction can allow the disappointment of the draw to fester.
Rolfes remains optimistic, emphasizing the long-term vision: “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. Football life for sure, but to do the right things to create this team, to create a strong unit, and at the end to be able to get the full potential out of the players and out of the squad.”
Ultimately, this is Erik ten Hag`s squad now. The task is immense: to forge a new identity, instill discipline, and rediscover the winning mentality that defined the immediate past. Operating under the illusion of “things used to be” will only lead to further frustration. The clock is ticking, and while setbacks are a natural part of any rebuild, the speed at which Leverkusen can adapt, stabilize, and respond to adversity will define Ten Hag`s early tenure and the club`s immediate future.
