While the Bundesliga might have watched its reputation become increasingly stale over the past decade, there was certainly a stunning changing of the guard among Germany’s elite.
Watching Bayer Leverkusen embark on a sensational fairytale as they were crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time, Germany’s top-flight now have a heavyweight title scrap on their hands.
With Bayern Munich eventually forced to settle for a third-place finish last season after enduring a public domestic struggle under Thomas Tuchel, the German icons get a new era underway following the shock arrival of ex-Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.
Ahead of what looks set to be another thriller from the top of the Bundesliga table this year, we have taken a look at the two leading candidates and the European superstars that will be spearheading their respective title charges.
Bayer Leverkusen
Although Bayer Leverkusen might have suffered major Europa League final heartbreak in Dublin on May 22nd as they fell to a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Italian outfit Atalanta, Xabi Alonso’s men enjoyed a famous fairytale last season.
Tearing up the records book and underling their reputation as Europe’s ultimate surprise package, the German high-flyers cruised their way to a maiden Bundesliga crown as they also earned the title of ‘invincibles’.
Managing to keep hold of Alonso amidst real speculation that the one-time Liverpool midfielder could replace Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, the Spanish tactician has established himself as one of Europe’s hottest managerial stars and is fully focused on proving Leverkusen’s fairytale was not just a one-off.
Completing a famous domestic silverware sweep last season and looking to add another trophy to their ever-growing cabinet this weekend when they meet Stuttgart in the German Super Cup, Leverkusen will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off back in May.
Key Player – Florian Wirtz
Crowned as the Bundesliga’s Player of the Season over the summer and enjoying what was a remarkable breakout campaign under Alonso’s guidance, Florian Wirtz has enjoyed a sensational rise to superstardom.
Quickly blossoming into one of Europe’s hottest budding stars and at the heart of Leverkusen’s iconic Bundesliga charge last year, the German international registered 22 direct goal contributions in his 32 top-flight appearances.
With the reigning Bundesliga champions making it clear that they value their academy graduate in excess of £100million, they have managed to keep hold of their playmaking sensation and Wirtz is embracing his role as Leverkusen’s poster boy.
Impressing while away with Germany at this summer’s European Championships and recording two goals for the host nation as they eventually suffered quarter-final heartbreak against Spain, some have even tipped the 21-year-old as a future Ballon d’Or winner.
Bayer Leverkusen’s first five Bundesliga fixtures:
- Borussia Monchengladbach (A)
- RB Leipzig (H)
- Hoffenheim (A)
- Wolfsburg (H)
- Bayern Munich (A)
Bayern Munich
While Bayern Munich might have reached the Champions League semi-finals last season, it is no secret that the Bavarians were at the heart of a public domestic struggle as they shockingly relinquished their Bundesliga crown for the first time in over a decade.
Parting ways with Thomas Tuchel following what was a dramatic divorce behind the scenes in Munich, Kompany will be more than aware that he has a tremendous amount of pressure on his shoulders in the battle to get Bayern back to their fearsome best.
Eventually forced to settle for a bronze medal finish among Germany’s elite last season as they came under a huge amount of scrutiny, Bayern finished 18 points adrift of Leverkusen as they finished the 2023/24 campaign without a single piece of silverware to their name.
Really limping their way over the finishing line last season and gaining an unwanted reputation for their extended defensive issues, the former Burnley boss will know that stability is key this time around.
Key Player – Harry Kane
While many around the Allianz might have been shocked last summer as Bayern splashed out £100million for England skipper Harry Kane, the former Tottenham talisman embarked on a record-breaking start to life in Munich.
Although the German icons might have endured a public domestic nightmare last season, Kane only underlined his status as one of Europe’s most clinical marksmen and has already cemented his spot as a real hit at the Allianz.
Shattering a string of long-standing records in Munich, the 31-year-old notched 36 goals in his 32 Bundesliga appearances last season and cruised his way to Germany’s Golden Boot after averaging 1.14 strikes every 90 minutes.
Still desperate to get his way on a maiden piece of silverware after suffering EURO 24 heartbreak with England over the summer, England’s all-time goalscoring will certainly have a crucial role to play in Kompany’s new-look squad this season.
Bayern Munich first five Bundesliga fixtures:
- Wolfsburg (A)
- Freiburg (H)
- Kiel (A)
- Werder Bremen (A)
- Bayer Leverkusen (H)
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
