What does Leverkusen need to change and why are they struggling? Hložek to another post, Schick is still looking, the tragic defence deserves to be reinforced

Bayer Leverkusen is experiencing a very tough return to reality. Before the season, it was announcing an assault on the top ranks. He certainly wasn’t thinking that perhaps he shouldn’t be fighting for the Champions League, or better still, for second place or the title outright. But after three rounds he is at the bottom of the table and has scored only one goal. What is wrong and what needs to change?

Last season one of the best teams in Germany, one of the most attractive styles quite possibly on the continent and beautiful attacking football. A big part of that was Patrik Schick, who got his start at the Euros back then. But the start of the new season doesn’t look so rosy, on the contrary.

Four competitive matches, four losses. In the league, Leverkusen scored only one goal in three matches. Not only Schick, but also the new signing Adam Hložek. Bayer have scored six times and have no points. And with the exception of Dortmund, it hasn’t beaten the teams it is supposed to measure up against.

Leverkusen are not excused by injuries either. The team is missing not only Florian Wirtz, but also Karim Bellarabi and Amine Adli. However, Wirtz has been injured for a long time and should be back during the autumn. Bellarabi is also injured for a longer period of time, but neither he nor Adli are expected to be key men.

The fact is, however, that at least Bellarabi would be good for the team. The reason is simple. Coach Gerardo Seoane has only Moussa Diaby and Adam Hložek available on the wings. Sure, Paulinho is still available, but he is eager to leave.

What is behind Leverkusen’s woes and what needs to change?

A botched transfer window, Schick has no competitor

If there is anything Bayer should be faulted for, it is the transfer window. Yes, the priority was to keep stars Patrik Schick and Moussa Diaby, but that’s why the only major signings came in. That is Adam Hložek and he certainly can’t be expected to play a key role right from the start. He has to gradually work his way into that role.

There is no competition in the attacking ranks at all. Moreover, Leverkusen already played with one really good winger (Diaby) last season. On the other side, there was a trio of players rotating. And now it is glued by Hložek, who is definitely not a winger.

In addition, Lucas Alario, who forced Patrik Schick into top performances, has left the club. Whenever he came on, he could score. He was always an asset to the team. And he was able to play under Schick. Maybe that’s why the Czech striker doesn’t look nearly as hungry as he did last season.

Schick is still looking and Seoane doesn’t even have anyone to replace him. He simply put everything on one card and now he may regret it. The missed chances must be a shame for Schick. They certainly don’t add to his confidence, which seems to be lacking.

Moreover, Leverkusen’s defence was already on fire last season. But they didn’t get a single new signing. Of course, Bayer has talented defenders, but they lack experience. Last season, Leverkusen managed to outshoot their opponents, so they didn’t worry so much about defense. But now it’s not.

Hložek has to play in another position, the team lacks a leader

As already mentioned, Adam Hložek is now filling the vacant post on the wing, while Sardar Azmoun is starting on the sub. Azmoun is not convincing at all. He burns chances, hardly creates any and doesn’t have the desired contribution to the team. After all, he hardly played last season, which was no coincidence. The Bundesliga is simply not the Russian Premier League.

Hložek’s potential is being killed on the wing. He doesn’t use his overview of the game and doesn’t get into the game as much as he needs to. The county is just drowning him out. Maybe we should consider using Paulinho or bringing in a new player just on the wing.

Another problem is that the team lacks a leader. Last season it wasn’t so visible, Leverkusen rode a wave of positivity and in those situations a leader is not needed. Schick, with his confidence, had no problem taking charge. He was confident. But now he looks rather desperate and bitter.

It is to Schick and his leadership skills that Leverkusen drew on last season that Bayer fans cling. But it will take time.

A game without a face. What is it?

Gerard Seoane’s handwriting was clearly visible on Leverkusen’s play last season. But now? Chaos, waste. The team isn’t hungry, it’s as if they don’t even have the desire to win. That’s why they couldn’t beat Augsburg or Hoffenheim.

The quick transition to attack is stalling, Diaby is out of form, Schick is invisible in games, the midfield is on fire and the defence? Especially against Hoffenheim they looked comical.

Maybe the players got a little too complacent. But maybe it’s also the pressure. After a great season, the pressure has increased. Not only from the fans, but also from the management. After all, the club wants to get rid of the nickname “Neverkusen”.

Gerardo Seoane, however, has a lot to think about. Even he doesn’t seem to understand what’s happening to the players at press conferences. He seemed clueless. If he can’t get one of the players to commit to a turnaround, he has to do it. Can he do it?

Source: Bayer Leverkusen