Bayer Leverkusen got off to a bad start in the Bundesliga and the DFB Cup. Actually also in the Champions League – but there the Seoane-Elf can still correct the supposed false start.
false start. That always sounds dramatic, but it’s not the end of the world. In the SoccerBundesliga is Bayer 04 Leverkusen undoubtedly more stumbled than started, is currently in the penultimate place in the table with only four points after six games. And was also eliminated in the DFB Cup against third division team SV Elversberg.
The perspective in the Champions League is also clouded after the opening defeat in Group B at Belgian FC Bruges (0: 1). But: After all, only one game has been played there instead of six. Thus, the team of coach Gerardo Seoane can still correct the supposed false start on the European stage when they receive Atlético Madrid on Tuesday evening (September 13th, 2022).
Seoane is seriously aware of the situation in Leverkusen
The fact that Leverkusen have to shoot their way out of the crisis against the most renowned group opponent can inhibit the task. Or even release powers. Coach Seoane should hope for that. The Swiss commented on Monday about the upcoming opponent: “It is remarkable how Atlético has developed in the last ten years. They are one of the top clubs in Europe.”
To make it fit against this top club, Seoane called for “total determination”. You have to “behave much more consistently in both penalty areas”. Seoane, without Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios (hamstring injury), is aware of the seriousness of the situation.
Another defeat against the team of coach Diego Simeone would move the Champions League Round of 16 a long way off. The 43-year-old reacted with understanding to the increasing criticism of his work: “It is clear that with this accumulation of results, the pressure on those responsible is increasing. The coach has overall responsibility for development.”
Midfielder Hincapié: “The atmosphere in the locker room is not bad”
The players are apparently willing to knock over the buck. “We are extremely motivated and stand together as a team,” assured Piero Hincapié. It also gets a bit louder in the cabin. “We openly address all points. We criticize ourselves in order to improve. But the atmosphere in the locker room is not bad,” said the Ecuadorian.
It would be even better if victories against Atlético and on Saturday (3.30 p.m.) against Werder Bremen followed in the week of truth. “You have to go in with the attitude: We have nothing to lose. In difficult situations you can get something in these games,” captain Lukas Hradecky gave an insight into his emotional state.
Parallels to the 2002/03 season
Bayer found itself in a similar situation exactly 20 years ago. Back then, in the season after the extremely successful triple runners-up season, the Werkself also got off to a bad start. After six matchdays in 2002, Leverkusen had just one point more than today’s team.
Even then, in addition to everyday life in the league, the premier class was on the program. A balancing act that never really worked. Because despite reaching the intermediate round in the Champions League, which was given away after the change of coach from Klaus Toppmöller to Thomas Hörster, Bayer played against relegation in the league until the last day of the game. A scenario that should serve as a warning for the club in the current situation.
