Bayern's ruse against Leverkusen – Xhaka's club sparks riot in Stuttgart

No one gave Leverkusen such trouble as Stuttgart. Ahead of this Friday night's (8:30pm) duel, Granit Xhaka's club chiefs may resort to Bayern's old methods.

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Leverkusen's biggest problem under Xabi Alonso isn't record champions Bayern Munich, but Stuttgart. The last three Bundesliga meetings have been draws. Last season's German Cup quarter-finals, Leverkusen only scored the winning goal in the 90th minute, and in the Super Cup earlier this season, the double champion only defeated the runner-up through a penalty shootout.

On the eve of this Friday night's (8:30 pm) duel, coach Alonso explained that he was “completely devastated” after the clash with Stuttgart. “It's very intense,” said the 42-year-old Basque, “of course, especially for the players but also for us.” A lot happens every time and Alonso is looking forward to this again: “Stuttgart is A top team at Champions League level.”

His counterpart Sebastian Hoeness sounds similar: “Xabi and I feel the same way. The games are always very intense and exciting, but they are also very exciting games.” That's exactly what football is about. That’s why fans love to watch football. However, Xhaka's Bayer Leverkusen and Fabian Riedel and Leonidas Stergio's Germany have yet to reach the excellent form of last season.

A report about Werkself's possible successor to Xabi Alonso has given the game extra explosiveness, with the report being backed by pharmaceutical company Bayer. Alonso is contracted until 2027, but top clubs have been knocking on the door since his wonderful 2023/24 season at the latest. Alonso could make his next move as early as next summer – Real Madrid are said to be interested, with Carlo Ancelotti subsequently taking on the role of club ambassador. Manchester City may also offer a coaching position.

That's why Leverkusen had better start looking for a future coach. According to Kicker, this should be Sebastian Hoeness of all people. So today's opponent's coach. The 42-year-old has transformed the relegation candidates, who took over in April 2023, into a Champions League club in just one year. Uli Hoeness' nephew is impressed with his attacking football and the fact that he makes many players better. These qualities also make Xavi Alonso highly sought after. He declared he felt “tremendous respect and admiration” for his would-be successor.

It seems logical that Leverkusen would be interested in Sebastian Hoeness, who has a mid-single-digit exit clause at Stuttgart. But the fact that the matter was made public before a direct duel is unlikely to bring any joy to Stuttgart.

Is he Spanish Uli Hoeness? Leverkusen managing director Fernando Carlo.Picture: www.imago-images.de

The process is reminiscent of Bayern Munich's past moves. Ahead of their showdown with their biggest rivals, Bundesliga side Crovis has reliably spread rumors about potential transfers for its top players or coaches. The same was true last season, when there were constant reports of interest in Xavi Alonso, but also in the likes of Florian Wirtz, Jonathan Tah and Jeremy Frimpong.

Now, those in charge around Leverkusen chief executive Fernando Carlo and sporting director Simon Rolfes may also use these methods to sow unrest among opponents who cause them problems.