Bayer Leverkusen is experiencing a very hard return to reality. Before the season, he announced an attack on the highest ranks. He definitely didn’t think about the fact that he shouldn’t be fighting for the Champions League, or even better for second place or directly for the title. But after three rounds he is at the bottom of the table and scored only one goal. What is wrong and what needs to change?
Last season one of the best teams in Germany, one of the most attractive styles quite possibly on the whole continent and beautiful attacking football. Patrik Schick, who started at the Euros at the time, also played a big part in this. But the start of the new year does not look so rosy, on the contrary.
Four competitive games, four losses. In the league, Leverkusen scored a single goal in three duels. Not only Schick is at zero, but also new reinforcement Adam Hložek. In addition, Bayer conceded six times and has not a single point. And with the exception of Dortmund, he did not meet teams with which he should be measured.
Leverkusen are not excused even by injuries. The team is missing not only Florian Wirtz, but also Karim Bellarabi and Amine Adli. However, Wirtz has been injured for a long time and should return during the fall. Bellarabi is also injured for a long time, but neither he nor Adli are supposed to be key men.
However, the fact is that at least Bellarabi would fit the team. The reason is simple. Coach Gerardo Seoane only has Moussa Diaby and Adam Hlož on the wings. Of course, Paulinho is still available, but he wants to leave.
What is behind Leverkusen’s woes and what needs to change?
Messed up transfer window, Schick has no competitor
If Bayer needs to read something, it’s the transfer window. Yes, the priority was to keep the stars Patrik Schick and Moussa Diaby, but because of that the only major reinforcement came. That’s Adam Hložek, and you certainly can’t expect him to play a key role right from the start. They have to gradually work their way up to it.
There is absolutely no competition in the attacking ranks. In addition, Leverkusen already played with only one truly quality winger (Diaby) last season. On the other side, three players alternated. And now Hložek, who is definitely not a winger, is sticking her.
In addition, Lucas Alario, who forced Patrik Schick to top performances, left the club. Whenever he started, he was able to score. He always contributed to the team. In addition, he was able to play under Schick as well. Maybe that’s why the Czech forward doesn’t look nearly as hungry as he did last season.
Schick is still being sought, and Seoane has no one to replace him. In short, he bet everything on one card and now he may regret it. Schick must regret the missed chances. They certainly don’t add to the self-confidence he seems to lack.
In addition, Leverkusen’s defense was already on fire last season. But not a single new reinforcement was added to it. Of course, Bayer have talented defenders, but experience is lacking. Last year, Leverkusen was able to outshoot the opponent, so they didn’t deal with the defense as much. But now it’s not working.
Hložek has to play in a different position, the team lacks a leader
As already mentioned, Adam Hložek is now sticking to the free post on the wing, while Sardar Azmoun is taking up the role. At the same time, Azmoun does not seem convincing at all. He burns chances, creates almost none and does not have the desired contribution to the team. After all, he hardly played last season, which was no accident. In short, the Bundesliga is not the Russian Premier League.
On the wing, Hložk’s potential is just being killed. He doesn’t use his insight in the game and doesn’t get into the game as much as he needs to. The region only drowns him. Perhaps it would be easy to consider the use of Paulinho or the arrival of a new player on the wing.
Another problem is that the team lacks a leader. Last season it was not so much visible, Leverkusen was riding a wave of positivity and in such situations a leader is not needed. Schick, with his confidence, had no problem taking responsibility. He believed in himself. Now, however, he seems rather desperate and dejected.
It is precisely Schick and his leadership skills, with which Leverkusen pulled ahead last season, that Bayer fans are fixated on. But it will take time.
A game without a face. Why is it?
Last season, Gerardo Seoane’s signature was clearly visible in Leverkusen’s game. But now? Chaos, ruin. The team isn’t hungry, like they don’t even want to win. That’s why he wasn’t good enough not only for Augsburg, but also for Hoffenheim.
The quick transition to the attack falters, Diaby is out of form, Schick is invisible in the matches, the midfield is on fire and the defense? She was especially comical against Hoffenheim.
Maybe the players got too complacent. But maybe it’s also pressure. It increased after a great year. Not only from the fans, but also from the management. After all, the club already wants to get rid of the “Neverkusen” nickname.
However, Gerardo Seoane definitely has something to think about. Even he doesn’t seem like someone who understands what’s going on with the players in press conferences. He seemed clueless. If one of the players cannot command the turnover, he must do it. Can he do it?
Source: Bayer Leverkusen
