BREMEN —
Eric Ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen exhibited growing pains as they surrendered a two-goal lead twice, ultimately resulting in a 3-3 draw against a 10-man Werder Bremen. Despite this, Malik Tillman showcased his talent by scoring his first goal in a Leverkusen jersey during a promising first half.
After the match, a visibly frustrated Tillman conveyed Ten Hag’s critical remarks from the locker room. He shared, “We played like boys today and not men. He also said it’s embarrassing how we finished the game, so the mood wasn’t great.” However, Tillman remains optimistic, stating, “Our time will come and you will see a different Leverkusen.” Yet the ongoing question lingers: how long will it take for that transformation?
This current team seems a far cry from the one led by Xabi Alonso, which clinched a stunning Bundesliga title two seasons back. Replacing such a managerial institution presents significant challenges, highlighting the daunting task Ten Hag faces.
While Ten Hag notably led Manchester United to an FA Cup title in 2024, a swift dismissal followed, leaving Leverkusen to trust in his capabilities. Sporting Director Simon Rolfes remains confident in Ten Hag for his development skills and focus on playing a dominant style of football.
Rolfes stated, “It’s his ability to work with young players, as demonstrated with Ajax and also during his time with United, which aligns with our goal of playing attacking football.” Only time will reveal the correctness of this decision, especially with United struggling as Leverkusen aims to implement a new system amid substantial changes in their lineup.
Tillman, now back in Germany where he spent time with Greuther Furth and Bayern Munich, fills large shoes left by the injured Wirtz. He completed his first match since the Concacaf Gold Cup and is still regaining optimal fitness.
With high expectations and a fresh squad, including a new center-back pairing of Quansah and Bade, they face challenges as they adjust to Leverkusen’s revamped identity in light of prior triumphs.
Rolfes acknowledged the need for regaining stability, stating, “It’s crucial to ensure we’re moving in the right direction, especially after setbacks. Moving forward is essential given recent events.” They must navigate a competitive league, where powerhouse teams like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund loom as formidable contenders for Champions League spots.
In this transition phase, players like Tillman must step forward and contribute to the squad’s success. His recent performance, while impactful, will require him to continue evolving as he integrates with his teammates.
Moreover, Ten Hag’s leadership will be pivotal in establishing a solid foundation under his management and steering the team toward a more promising future.
