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This weekend in the Rhineland marks the carnival, a period of festivities and disorder. It is a time of wearing masks and costumes, allowing individuals to reveal their true selves and find new identities. The BayArena will be filled with elaborate outfits on Saturday as Bayer Leverkusen faces off against Bayern Munich in the most highly anticipated match of the Bundesliga season. It is a battle between top-ranked and second-ranked teams, with the challengers taking on the reigning champions. The question remains, which team truly has what it takes to come out on top, and which is simply putting on a façade?
Xabi Alonso and his Leverkusen team have been deceiving themselves throughout this entire season. Despite losing a Champions League final and finishing as runners-up in the Bundesliga four times in six seasons at the turn of the century, they have never been able to secure a title. However, they are currently at the top of the table, the only unbeaten team in Europe’s top five leagues. If they are able to defeat Thomas Tuchel’s Bayern, they will extend their lead to five points.
Despite the small difference in points between the two clubs, the main distinction lies in their mindset and opportunities. Bayern has consistently won the past 11 Bundesliga titles and remains a strong contender this season, as well as in the upcoming seasons. However, for Leverkusen, there are no guarantees as they risk losing their top players due to market forces, similar to what happened with Kai Havertz and Moussa Diaby. This season’s success may feel surreal for Leverkusen, but it also comes with a sense of vulnerability. This could be their best and final opportunity to achieve greatness.
Perhaps this has contributed to the unusual focus and cohesion around the Leverkusen squad, a group of players utterly determined to live in the present. No rehearsals, no second chances. “It’s a long time since I saw a team this fast, this aggressive, this good tactically, this confident on the ball,” wrote the former Leverkusen manager Klaus Toppmöller in his Kicker column this week. “Everything is perfectly prepared, offensively and defensively.”
It is worth considering the explanation of what Alonso, one of the most celebrated young coaches in Europe, is doing at Leverkusen. His team is not always easy to decipher, as they utilize a complex and ever-changing formation with players rotating positions. They are equally adept at launching quick attacks or maintaining possession for extended periods. Alonso himself is a product of the best coaching influences in modern football, having played under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, José Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafa Benítez, and Vicente del Bosque at different points in his career.
However, there are certain essential requirements: technical proficiency, adaptability, and wing-backs with a strong attacking presence. There are similarities to Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton in their strategy of luring in the opposing team before switching the ball to other areas of the field. Granit Xhaka, who was acquired from Arsenal during the summer transfer window, has been a standout performer in the midfield, making more progressive passes than any other player in Europe. Playing alongside him is Exequiel Palacios, who ranks second in the Bundesliga for successful dribble attempts. In front of them, Florian Wirtz and Adam Hlozek have the freedom to dictate play as they see fit, forming a lethal trio with top scorer, Victor Boniface.
In Bavaria, the reaction has been a mix of anger and stubbornness. Tuchel dismissed the two-point difference this week, but he is aware that this game could make or break his career at Bayern. He also knows that the comparisons to Alonso are not meant as a compliment. Tuchel has not had a significant playing career and is often seen as distant and abrupt. There are rumors of tension in the dressing room and criticism of his style of play, which relies heavily on Harry Kane’s goal scoring abilities.
However, despite receiving justified criticism, it can be argued that Tuchel is performing better than his predecessor Julian Nagelsmann. This is due to the fact that Tuchel has less resources and is facing tougher opponents. The team has been impacted by injuries, particularly in their defense, resulting in the emergency signing of Eric Dier in January. Currently, he is still without key players such as Alphonso Davies, Kingsley Coman, and Serge Gnabry. Additionally, Joshua Kimmich is still recovering from injury and Manuel Neuer’s availability is uncertain.
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Bayern currently have a seven-point advantage over Nagelsmann’s team at the same stage as last season. Leverkusen has faced difficulties in maintaining their strong performance from before the winter break due to international call-ups and injuries. The loss of Boniface until April is a significant setback for them. Additionally, there are concerns about how the constant rumors surrounding Alonso’s future as a potential manager for Liverpool, Real Madrid, or even Bayern themselves may disrupt the team’s smooth and harmonious operation, fueled by pure positivity and coordination.
Our past encounters have taught us what to anticipate. Bayern will constantly face greater expectations because they have consistently met them. They embody the role of champions and it suits them well. This is the collective recollection that has enabled them to defeat all challengers for the past 11 years. On the other hand, for Leverkusen, history is not a source of reassurance but a hurdle to overcome, a facade to discard.
The outcome of Saturday’s match will not determine the championship. However, it could reveal if these two teams are living up to their own expectations.
Source: theguardian.com
