BREMEN — It`s evident that Erik ten Hag`s Bayer Leverkusen is a team under construction. On Saturday, the squad twice squandered a two-goal lead, ultimately drawing 3-3 against a ten-man Werder Bremen. This collapse overshadowed what should have been a memorable debut for Malik Tillman, who netted his first goal for Leverkusen during an impressive first half. Nevertheless, it wasn`t enough to secure a win for the team.
Following the match, a visibly disappointed Tillman conveyed Ten Hag`s message from the locker room.
“Today we played like boys, not men. He also mentioned that our finish to the game was disgraceful, so the atmosphere wasn`t good,” Tillman stated. “Our moment will arrive, and you will witness a different Leverkusen.” The lingering question is, how long until that version of Leverkusen materializes?
This current situation is a stark contrast to Xabi Alonso`s team, which two seasons prior famously clinched the Bundesliga title. That squad was renowned for its late-game heroics, often snatching victories from the jaws of defeat, with the Spanish coach seemingly always in complete command before his summer departure to Real Madrid. Such challenges are to be anticipated when replacing a manager of such caliber, and they underscore the immense task facing Ten Hag.
Despite the Dutch manager guiding Manchester United to an FA Cup triumph in 2024, he was subsequently dismissed the following year. Nevertheless, Leverkusen still considered him the ideal candidate for their role. Leverkusen`s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, expressed confidence in Ten Hag, citing his proven track record in player development and his preferred playing style.
“It`s about his capabilities; at Ajax, he developed young players, and similarly at United with several promising talents. We aim to play dominant, attacking football,” Rolfes stated. “He demonstrated this particularly well at Ajax, and I believe these are the crucial elements we need to cultivate and concentrate on.”
Time alone will reveal the wisdom of that decision. United continues to face challenges under Ruben Amorim, and Leverkusen`s task is twofold: not only must they replace a star player like Florian Wirtz, but with eight significant departures, they also need to integrate a new system with more fresh faces than seasoned veterans in the squad. Historically, players such as Granit Xhaka could have galvanized the team to preserve a lead, but with his move to Sunderland in the Premier League, a new leader must emerge on the pitch.
“Lucas Vazquez will be a tremendous asset, and throughout the week, it`s equally crucial to have role models – highly professional players like Lucas or, for instance, Grimaldo – who can inspire younger players, showing them what daily effort is required to improve. In this regard, Lucas will provide significant assistance,” Rolfes explained.
While signing experienced players like Lucas Vazquez will undoubtedly bolster the squad, the success of this transition hinges on younger talents like Tillman developing and performing under pressure. This growth is already evident as he dissects the match in the aftermath of the disappointing outcome.
“We are a unified group, and we must stick together on the pitch. We`ve all encountered similar situations previously, so it shouldn`t have unfolded the way it did,” Tillman asserted.
At just 23, Tillman has returned to Germany, having previously played for Greuther Furth and Bayern Munich. His move to Leverkusen from PSV Eindhoven represents a significant step up, a fact he fully recognizes. Tasked with filling the void left by Florian Wirtz, and still recovering from an injury, Saturday`s game marked Tillman`s first appearance since the Concacaf Gold Cup, indicating he is not yet at peak physical condition.
Once he reaches full fitness, the American midfielder is poised to be a dynamic force around whom Leverkusen can construct their offense. This wasn`t the issue in his debut; despite limited touches over 61 minutes, he maximized his opportunities, scoring his first goal for the new club. He will undoubtedly aim to create more chances for others, a capability that will naturally emerge as he integrates further with his teammates.
The team displayed moments of defensive complacency, an area also characterized by an almost entirely new lineup, from Mark Flekken in goal to the central defensive pairing of Jarell Quansah and Loic Bade. Following their triumph under Alonso, expectations for this Leverkusen squad are considerable. However, given the extensive changes they`ve undergone, these expectations might prove too ambitious for what is fundamentally a transitional season.
“It`s crucial to observe our progress in the right direction, to ensure we`re applying the correct methods. Challenges and disappointments are inevitable, a natural part of sports and life itself, particularly in football. Our focus must be on doing what`s right to build this team, to forge a strong, cohesive unit, and ultimately unlock the full potential of both individual players and the entire squad,” Rolfes articulated. “What truly matters to me is the conviction that we are on the right path, making tangible strides forward. Setbacks are inherent to this journey; they are normal, but we must learn and press onward.”
Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund possess formidable squads, making them strong contenders for Champions League berths by season`s end, with Eintracht Frankfurt also in the mix. This places Leverkusen in a challenging contest for a Champions League spot against teams like Stuttgart, Freiburg, and any other aspiring contenders. The battle for these coveted UCL places will be fierce, and a sluggish start to the season certainly won`t aid their cause. While club insiders remain optimistic about a turnaround, heading into an international break after such a result could lead to various outcomes.
For players like Tillman, who will not be on international duty, this break presents an opportunity to train with the manager and other squad members, regain match fitness, and return stronger to face a formidable Frankfurt side after the hiatus. Conversely, there`s a risk that the draw`s negative impact could fester and compound. This is a challenge Ten Hag was bound to encounter eventually as Leverkusen`s manager, but he will now immediately witness his team`s response. While new players might join by the close of the transfer window on Monday, this isn`t a guaranteed solution. With so many existing changes, the club`s priority must be to rediscover its identity and strive for stability.
Continuing to operate as things once were will only result in further disappointment; this is now Ten Hag`s squad. He will have the opportunity to make his mark, but it rests solely on him to ensure it`s a positive one.
