Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen are dreaming of a Bundesliga title problem, only a 12 months because the Spaniard took over as coach with the membership languishing close to the relegation zone. Alonso joined Leverkusen on October 5, 2022, with the membership having received simply considered one of their opening eight league fixtures and having been dumped out of the German Cup. Leverkusen, who’ve by no means received the Bundesliga, sit prime of the desk 12 months on, having received 5 of their first six video games, solely dropping factors in a pulsating 2-2 draw at champions Bayern Munich.
Alonso received three Bundesliga titles, one La Liga title, two Champions League crowns, the World Cup and two European Championships as a participant.
Hopes are excessive that he’ll assist Leverkusen, who misplaced within the Europa League semi-finals final season, shake their ‘Neverkusen’ moniker.
Regardless of sturdy monetary backing and a scouting community which has repeatedly unearthed a number of the greatest German and world abilities, Leverkusen’s trophy cupboard stays sparse, with only one German Cup and one UEFA Cup title.
The membership’s nadir got here in 2002, when Leverkusen discovered themselves in Champions League and German Cup finals, in addition to atop the Bundesliga desk with two matches remaining, earlier than ending runners-up in all three competitions.
“So much has occurred