BREMEN — It’s evident that Eric Ten Hag’s Bayer Leverkusen is still finding its footing. In a match on Saturday, they let go of two-goal leads twice, finishing 3-3 against a ten-man Werder Bremen squad. Although it was meant to be a glorious day for Malik Tillman, who netted his first goal for the club during an impressive first half, it was marred by the team’s inability to secure a win.
Post-match, a frustrated Tillman conveyed Ten Hag’s sentiments from the locker room: “We played like boys today and not men. It’s embarrassing how we finished the game,” expressed Tillman, who remains optimistic about improvements post-international break. “Our time will come, and you will see a different Leverkusen soon.” The key inquiry remains: how soon can that transformation occur?
This is a far cry from Xabi Alonso’s team, celebrated for clinching a remarkable Bundesliga title two seasons back, displaying the ability to reclaim games last-minute. Since his departure to manage Real Madrid, the challenges of transitioning to a new manager spotlight the formidable task Ten Hag faces.
Despite leading Manchester United to an FA Cup victory in 2024, he faced dismissal the following year. Nonetheless, Leverkusen’s sporting director, Simon Rolfes, backs Ten Hag, highlighting his proficiency in player development: “His ability with young talents and a commitment to dominant, attacking football is crucial for us.”
How effective that decision turns out to be will be revealed with time. While United struggles under Ruben Amorim, Leverkusen grapples with replacing standout Florian Wirtz alongside numerous departures, necessitating a new tactical approach with many new faces on the squad. The absence of former player Granit Xhaka, now with Sunderland, highlights the pressing need for established leaders on the pitch.
The introduction of players like Lucas Vazquez is expected to fortify the team, while young talents like Tillman must evolve under pressure for a successful transition. At just 23, Tillman returns to Germany after stints with Greuther Furth and Bayern Munich, stepping up from PSV Eindhoven to Bayer. It’s a significant leap, and he recognizes this responsibility, particularly as he must fill big shoes left by Wirtz.
Tillman’s debut performance and limited touches led to a promising first goal, and he aims to integrate further into the attack. Defensive complacency remains a concern, especially with a largely new lineup, from Mark Flekken in goal to new central defenders Jarell Quansah and Loic Bade. High expectations follow from their previous success under Alonso.
Looking ahead, Bayer will encounter formidable competition from clubs like Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, likely vying for Champions League slots, making the tight to secure a spot all the more crucial. As they approach the international break, opportunities to enhance fitness may arise for players like Tillman, who seeks to capitalize on this downtime before facing a challenging Eintracht Frankfurt squad post-break.
Operating under past play styles will only lead to further disappointment; this is now Ten Hag’s squad, and the trajectory of his influence remains to be seen.
