The VfB Stuttgart is about to face Bayer 04 Leverkusen in their next Bundesliga match. This will mark the first encounter of the season between these two teams. Ahead of the match, we spoke with football expert Sebastian Bergmann from the Rheinische Post, who provided insights into Leverkusen’s recent challenges and strengths.
Leverkusen’s Transition in 2023
Leverkusen entered the season with significant changes, especially after the departure of coach Xabi Alonso. He was replaced by Erik ten Hag, whose brief tenure ended quickly due to poor results. After only two matches, ten Hag was dismissed, leaving many questions about his ability to manage the team’s transformation.
Changes in Coaching
Ten Hag struggled to gain the respect of players and management alike. Uneasy training sessions and disagreements over player contracts contributed to his downfall. Sebastian noted that the club’s leadership preferred a quick resolution: “Better an end with horror than a horror without end.”
Player Departures and New Arrivals
Key players such as Granit Xhaka and Florian Wirtz have left, prompting a rebuild. New signings include Malik Tillman and Loïc Badé, who have largely impressed. However, Eliesse Ben Seghir, who joined for a significant fee of €32 million, has underperformed and remains a substitute.
Performance and Tactics
With a nearly complete first half of the season behind them, Sebastian assessed the transfer activity positively despite the challenges. The team is currently under the guidance of Kasper Hjulmand, who has adopted a 3-4-2-1 formation. This system allows for flexible gameplay and is well-suited to the squad’s strengths, particularly the dynamic role of Alejandro Grimaldo.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strengths: Offensive efficiency, particularly in early match stages.
- Weaknesses: Vulnerability right before halftime; defensive lapses can be exploited.
Leverkusen has shown a tendency to concede goals late in the first half. Under pressure, their goalkeeper Mark Flekken may be prone to errors, making it imperative for opposing teams to capitalize on such moments.
Upcoming Match Insights
The VfB Stuttgart has struggled to secure victories against Leverkusen since 2018, but recent performances suggest a more competitive match could be on the horizon. Sebastian mentioned that other teams have successfully challenged Leverkusen this season, emphasizing that the match should be closely contested.
DFB-Pokal Aspirations
Looking ahead, Leverkusen has strong ambitions for the DFB-Pokal. They are expected to be favorites in their upcoming quarter-final against FC St. Pauli. In the Bundesliga, they are also positioned to secure one of the top spots, potentially entering the Champions League next season.
Injury Updates
Regarding player availability, key contributors like Edmond Tapsoba will miss the match, having been eliminated from the AFCON. Currently, Hjulmand plans to evaluate the fitness of his international players upon their return.
With both teams gearing up for a pivotal match, the outcome remains uncertain. The tactical decisions and player performances will play crucial roles in determining who emerges victorious.
