Bayer Leverkusen’s manager Xabi Alonso acknowledged on Thursday that Bayern Munich are the top contenders for the Bundesliga title this season, despite his team’s remarkable success last year. “Bayern are the clear favorites, as far as I’m concerned,” Alonso stated during a press conference ahead of Friday’s Bundesliga opener against Borussia Mönchengladbach. “Our objective is to secure a top-four finish, which is realistic given our strong squad.”
Leverkusen made history last season by winning the Bundesliga for the first time ever, ending Bayern’s 11-year dominance and delivering Bayern their first trophyless season since 2011-12.
Bayern Munich, under new coach Vincent Kompany, has been active this summer, adding Premier League stars Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha, as well as Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart.
Leverkusen, unbeaten in Germany since May 2023, also enjoyed a stellar season last year, becoming the first team to finish a Bundesliga campaign unbeaten, while also winning the German Cup and reaching the Europa League final.
Leverkusen kicked off the new season with a victory in the German Super Cup, defeating Stuttgart on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Alonso emphasized that last season’s achievements are behind them. “Last year was fantastic, but we are starting anew,” he said. “We need to earn everything from scratch, gather our points through strong performances, and be prepared for tough challenges, including the match against Gladbach.”
Everyone will be available for the match against Gladbach, except for Argentine midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who is sidelined with a knee injury.
