With the new Bundesliga season fast approaching, anticipation for the upcoming campaign is building, with Bayer Leverkusen set to begin their title defence away to Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday evening.
With many suggestions that Die Werkself are favourites to reclaim their crown, this could put pressure on Xabi Alonso’s side while simultaneously taking it off the likes of Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and VfB Stuttgart.
However, in Get German Football News’ recent Bundesliga predictions, published on X, Leverkusen were only pipped to win the Meisterschale by GGFN’s Will.
Whereas Bayern Munich, who finished third last season, were considered to be favourites to win the Bundesliga.
This is a belief shared by Alonso, who, speaking ahead of Leverkusen’s opening fixture against Gladbach, explained why he believes Der Rekormdiester are the favourites to be crowned German champions:
“From my point of view, we are not the favourites. For me, FC Bayern is the favourite again. It’s Bayern! The squad, their history, that’s clear to me.”
While this is undoubtedly a way for Alonso to take away the pressure already placed upon his side, the former Bayern midfielder revealed the expectations he has placed upon his side this season:
“We will see what we can achieve, but our goal is to stay in the top four. That is realistic.”
Die Werkself have been able to keep the core of their side together this summer; however, with Bayern, Leipzig, Dortmund, and Stuttgart all adding quality, there is an expectation that the title race will not be as straightforward this season.
GGFN | Will Shopland
