Bayer Leverkusen is seemingly heading towards self-destruction.
In a dramatic turn of events, Bayer Leverkusen is currently in a state of disarray following a disappointing loss to Werder Bremen in the second game of the 2025/2026 season. The team, who were the 2024 champions, are struggling to find their footing after the departure of many key players and the appointment of a new coach, Erik ten Hag.
The match, broadcast on RTL, started off promisingly for Leverkusen, with Patrik Schick scoring a penalty goal to make it 3:1. However, there was a dispute between Schick and Exequiel Palacios over who should take the penalty kick, causing consternation on the field. Captain Robert Andrich intervened to resolve the argument, but the team's behavior during the dispute did not sit well with ten Hag, who expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of clarity over who should take the ball.
The team's struggles became more apparent as the game progressed. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken, one of the key new signings expected to fill the gap left by many departing regulars, looked shaky during Schmidt's goal. Malik Tillmann, another newcomer, expressed frustration over the team's mistakes leading to a draw.
The loss has caused massive unrest under the Bayer cross, with many players criticising ten Hag and expressing dissatisfaction with the team's performance. Captain Andrich stated that players were only concerned with personal matters, causing further tension within the team.
Little remains of the 2024 championship team, as coach and key players have moved on. The team hastily assembled after the departure of almost the entire championship team is struggling to adapt to the new season. It is unclear how quickly this team can recover from their current state.
The 18-year-old player Coulibaly caused consternation in the match against Werder Bremen, with Isaac Schmidt and Coulibaly scoring two goals in the last half-hour of the game to secure victory for Bremen.
The 2024 champions are currently on the ground after just two games of the season, a far cry from their best season ever in 2024. The key new signings at Bayer Leverkusen, including Flekken, right-back Lucas Vázquez, and attacking midfielder Malik Tillman, are expected to help the team recover and fill the gaps left by many departing regulars. However, it remains to be seen whether they can do so quickly enough to salvage the season.
