From the point of view of record national player Lothar Matthäus, Bundesliga first-round champions Bayer Leverkusen have a realistic chance of winning three titles this season. Coach Xabi Alonso’s team is favorite in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup and the Europa League, said Matthäus on the TV channel Sky after Leverkusen’s late 1-0 (0-0) win at FC Augsburg.
“Because they have strengthened themselves accordingly. Not only with young players, but also with experience,” added the 62-year-old. “I said it before the season: If Bayern want to become champions, then they have to win against Leverkusen,” said Matthäus, referring to the defending champions.
In his view, Bayer’s positive development has been apparent for some time. Coach Alonso, who has been working in Leverkusen since October 2022, played a major role in this. “The coach has a clear concept and an intelligent concept,” he praised.
Leverkusen secured the first round championship with their win in Augsburg. After 17 games, the team is still undefeated and is four points ahead of champions FC Bayern, who have played one game less. Leverkusen will face VfB Stuttgart in the quarter-finals of the DFB Cup, and the team has already qualified for the round of 16 in the Europa League.
