Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso stated on Thursday that Bayern Munich remains the favorite to win the Bundesliga this season, despite Leverkusen’s historic league and cup double last year.
“For me, the favorites are Bayern, that’s clear,” Alonso remarked during a press conference ahead of Friday’s Bundesliga season opener against Borussia Moenchengladbach. “Our goal is to stay in the top four. That’s realistic — we have a good squad.”
Leverkusen secured their first-ever Bundesliga title last season, ending Bayern’s 11-year reign in Germany and handing the Bavarian giants their first trophyless season since 2011-12.
In addition to a new head coach, Vincent Kompany, Bayern has strengthened its squad by signing Michael Olise, Joao Palhinha, and Hiroki Ito.
Leverkusen, unbeaten in Germany since May 2023, had an extraordinary season, becoming the first team to go through a Bundesliga campaign undefeated and also claiming the German Cup while reaching the Europa League final.
Last weekend, Leverkusen began the new season by defeating Stuttgart on penalties to win the German Super Cup after a 2-2 draw.
Reflecting on last season’s success, Alonso said, “Last year was really nice… but we’re starting from scratch again. We need to earn everything again. We need to win our points and for that, we need good performances. We know every game will be difficult — and that will be the case against Gladbach.”
Alonso confirmed that all players, except for injured Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios, are available for the upcoming derby against Gladbach.