Bayer Leverkusen in profile: consistent inconsistency

A slightly too turbulent season lies behind the Werkself. After the unforgettable double winning season three years ago, they finished second in the 2024/25 campaign. Last year, they only managed sixth place, including a coaching dismissal after two matchdays. Kasper Hjulmand succeeded Erik ten Hag before matchday three, but was also unable to steer things in the desired direction. As a result, SVB changed head coach again in the summer: Carles Martinez is now expected to turn things around. Under his leadership, Leverkusen currently sit fifth in the table, one place ahead of the Rheinhessen. We take a look at Saturday’s meeting between the two table neighbours at the MEWA ARENA (15:30, live on Sky, DAZN and 05ER.fm), whose ambitions could hardly be more different.

The coach

A new trend seems to be establishing itself: in recent times, more and more coaches have been appointed who have not followed the classic coaching path. Instead, the focus is placed more on football itself and the idea behind it. Leverkusen laid the foundation for this trend in 2022, when they placed their trust in the inexperienced Xabi Alonso, who then led Bayer 04 to the title unbeaten the following season. After a mixed year under two somewhat bigger names, the Werkself have returned to their old recipe for success with the appointment of Carles Martinez. The 42 year old Spaniard moved from FC Toulouse to the Rhine in the summer. It had been his only role as a head coach to date. Before that, Martinez worked mainly in youth football, including as head coach of the Kuwait national team and in the academies of FC Barcelona and Espanyol Barcelona.

The squad

The title winning team from three years ago is almost unrecognisable. There have been several changes in defence in particular: with Piero Hincapie and Alejandro Grimaldo, two essential regular starters from recent years left the club. However, the Bayer side have strengthened adequately with Miguel Gutierrez, Guela Doue and Facundo Medina. The three new signings join new captain Edmond Tapsoba, Loic Bade, Jarrel Quansah and Lucas Vazquez in the defensive line. The Werkself were also able to secure the services of top talent Kenneth Eichhorn. The winner of this year’s Fritz Walter Medal moved from Hertha BSC to the Rhine. He is expected to mature into an established Bundesliga professional in defensive midfield alongside Robert Andrich, Aleix Garcia and Equi Fernandez.

The clear strength of the squad, however, remains the attack. Patrick Schick is first choice at centre forward and has scored in every Bundesliga match so far. He is supported out wide by the lightning quick Nathan Tella, returnee Moussa Diaby and new signing Afonso Moreira, who caused a stir with Olympique Lyon last year. Should the top striker ever have an off day, Martinez has two prominent alternatives in reserve in Christian Kofane and Victor Boniface. In attacking midfield, the Spaniard is also spoilt for choice: Malik Tillmann or all purpose weapon Ibrahim Maza. The 20 year old German Algerian has played every minute of the current season and has featured both centrally and out wide.

The start

The Bayer side experienced a rollercoaster of emotions over the first four matchdays. After the “frustrating” 3:2 opening defeat away to league newcomers Elversberg, Martinez’s side got that frustration out of their system in the home match against Union Berlin. They swept the Iron Ones aside with a 4:0 win, only to suffer an “unnecessary” loss of points just one week later. Within ten minutes, Leverkusen let the game slip from their grasp and rescued a 2:2 draw against FC Augsburg in the final minute.

On the most recent matchday, the Werkself impressed again and beat RB Leipzig 2:0 at the BayArena. Martinez was very satisfied after the match: “We controlled the game and always found tactical solutions against a very strong team. In the second half, we added the second goal, defended our own goal well and saw the game out with composure.”