Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka says that something needs to change quickly within coach Xabi Alonso's team to build on last season's successes. The reigning German champions secured a narrow victory over VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday.
Leverkusen, who delivered a dominant performance against Feyenoord in the Champions League, found themselves struggling to secure victory against Wolfsburg in their latest Bundesliga encounter.
Despite being pegged back multiple times throughout the match, Leverkusen managed to scrape a 2-3 win, with a dramatic late goal from Victor Boniface deep into extra time. The match was another example of coach Xabi Alonso’s team managing to pull off a last-minute escape, something that has become a concerning trend for the club in recent weeks. Earlier this season, Leverkusen faced a similar situation against RB Leipzig at the BayArena, where they squandered a 2-0 lead and ended up losing 2-3.
For Granit Xhaka, Leverkusen's experienced midfielder, these repeated close calls are a cause for concern. Having joined Leverkusen as a vital piece in their midfield after his tenure at Arsenal, Xhaka has taken on a leadership role within the team. In his candid post-match interview with BILD, he didn't shy away from addressing the team’s shortcomings. According to Xhaka, Leverkusen must stop relying on late heroics and start addressing the underlying defensive issues that are causing them to concede too many goals, particularly at home. "We shouldn’t focus on our goals in stoppage time, because it can't be that we're conceding three goals in every home game," the Swiss international said. "We need to be honest with each other and self-critical. What we're showing right now is not enough."
Xhaka, a key player in Leverkusen's double-winning campaign last season where they claimed both the Bundesliga title and the DFB Pokal, expressed frustration over how the team is defending in critical moments. He emphasized that their opponents are not overpowering them with intricate plays, but instead, the goals are coming from Leverkusen's failure to cover enough ground and maintain their defensive shape. "The way we're conceding goals is unacceptable. It's not like our opponents are dominating us with great combinations. These goals happen mostly because we're not covering enough ground. We call ourselves a top team, but a top team doesn't concede three goals in 45 minutes," Xhaka stated firmly.
His concerns about Leverkusen's performance go beyond just individual mistakes; Xhaka pointed out that the whole team's defensive mentality is lacking. The Swiss international was particularly vocal about the lack of aggression and intensity when the team is out of possession. "I'm talking about the whole team. We're making too many defensive mistakes. On the ball, we're always good, but without the ball, we're not as strong as we were last season," he said, referencing the team's ability to control games when in possession but struggling when it comes to defensive transitions.
This drop in defensive sharpness has become more apparent as Leverkusen has pushed to retain their Bundesliga title while also competing on multiple fronts, including the Champions League and domestic competitions. Xhaka made it clear that the issue isn't with Alonso's tactical system but with the mindset of the players. He called on the squad to show more determination and to put in the hard work necessary to keep their defensive structure intact throughout the game. "We’re still not aggressive enough. We have the quality to score ten goals per game, and yes, we’re winning again, but right now, I’m more concerned about why we’re not playing as compact as before," Xhaka explained. "The system isn’t the problem, it’s our mindset. It’s about always being willing to put in the hard work."
The mindset issue Xhaka referred to touches on a broader problem many top teams face complacency after achieving success. Leverkusen, having come off a historic season where they captured the Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal, may be struggling with the weight of expectations and a slight dip in their hunger to compete at the same level. Xhaka, however, is no stranger to high-pressure environments. His time at Arsenal, where he dealt with similar challenges, has prepared him for the leadership role he now holds at Leverkusen. He believes that addressing these issues quickly is crucial if Leverkusen are to replicate their success from last season and avoid being outplayed by rivals in both the Bundesliga and Europe.
Looking ahead, Xhaka’s blunt assessment serves as a wake-up call for the team. With the Champions League group stages underway and the intensity of the Bundesliga campaign increasing, Leverkusen cannot afford to continue relying on last-minute goals to bail them out of tough situations. Their ability to tighten up defensively and maintain their composure throughout 90 minutes will be critical as they aim to compete at the highest level.
Coach Xabi Alonso, who has been lauded for his tactical innovation and ability to motivate his players, will need to take Xhaka’s words to heart as he prepares his squad for the challenges ahead. While Leverkusen's attacking prowess has been a major asset, as highlighted by Xhaka’s remark that they "have the quality to score ten goals per game," their defensive vulnerabilities could derail their ambitions if left unaddressed. Alonso’s task will be to strike the right balance between maintaining the team's attacking freedom and instilling the discipline needed to prevent unnecessary goals.
As for Xhaka, his leadership on and off the pitch will continue to be a driving force for Leverkusen. His no-nonsense approach and willingness to hold his teammates accountable are qualities that could help the team rediscover the defensive solidity that brought them so much success last season. For now, though, Xhaka’s focus remains on ensuring that Leverkusen stays grounded and ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
