Bayer Leverkusen Manager Xabi Alonso Aims for Continued Success in 2024-25 Season

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso stated on Thursday that Bayern Munich are the top contenders for the Bundesliga title this season, despite his team's impressive league and cup double win last season. "In my opinion, Bayern are the clear favorites," Alonso declared during a press conference leading up to Friday's Bundesliga season kickoff against Borussia Moenchengladbach. "Our aim is to secure a spot in the top four. This is a realistic goal considering the strength of our squad."

Leverkusen won the Bundesliga for the first time in club history, condemning Bayern to a first trophyless season since 2011-12 and ending their 11-year reign in Germany.

In addition to new coach Vincent Kompany, Bayern have had a busy summer, bringing in Michael Olise and Joao Palhinha from the Premier League and Hiroki Ito from Stuttgart.

Leverkusen have not lost a match in Germany in May 2023.

Last season they became the first side to go through a Bundesliga campaign unbeaten, while claiming the German Cup alongside a run to the Europa League final.

Leverkusen kicked off the new season last weekend by beating Stuttgart on penalties in the German Super Cup after a 2-2 draw.

Alonso said Leverkusen's title-winning season, during which they lost just one of 53 matches in all competitions, was "in the past".

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"Last year was really nice... but we're starting from scratch again," he said.

"We need to earn everything again. We need to win our points and for that we need good performances.

"We know every game will be difficult -- and that will be the case against Gladbach."

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Alonso said everyone would be available for the trip to derby rivals Gladbach with the exception of Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who has a knee injury.

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(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)