Bundesliga
On a masterclass in “work pants”: Bayer shows maturity
The Bayer Leverkusen players celebrate the victory in Heidenheim. photo
© Tom Weller/dpa
Whoever wins such games becomes more and more favorites for the title: Bayer is once again efficient in the 2-1 win in Heidenheim. Leverkusen can play top games and win work at the same time.
On the 500th day of Guaranteed Success Xabi Alonso as Bayer coach was the set invincible record for the Leverkusen minor league.
What was more pleasing and important for the Bundesliga leader were the next three points as well as a development and maturity that could be crucial on the way to the championship premiere in the coming weeks. The Leverkusen team proved once again that they can not only win brilliantly. The 2:1 (1:0) at 1. FC Heidenheim was deserved, but also hard-earned and thanks to efficiency.
After the brilliant days with the thrilling DFB Cup victory against VfB Stuttgart (3:2) and the euphoria of the 3-0 win in the league’s top game against series champions FC Bayern Munich, the Werkself did not stumble even against the uncomfortable outsiders. Leverkusen remains on course for the title.
“We put on our work pants” after highlight games
“We were ready. We did well, I like that,” praised Alonso: “The players are ready for a top game like last Saturday, but also for today, to fight and work.” Bayer goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky explained: “Today it tastes just as good as last week against Bayern. It was important that you put your work pants back on.” As for how the success came about, “I don’t think it will be a problem in a few months”.
In a few months Bayer would like to celebrate with the championship trophy. In Heidenheim, the front runner consolidated his first place in the table. The club remained undefeated for the 32nd time in a row. The Werkself achieved something that only FC Bayern could previously achieve in the Bundesliga between December 2019 and September 2020. On Friday against 1. FSV Mainz 05, Leverkusen can become the sole record holder.
“Don’t die in beauty”
“We are very stable,” said Robert Andrich, describing Leverkusen’s strength. “Especially in this regard, we have taken a huge step forward. Especially after a week like this against Stuttgart and Bayern – and then you go here to Heidenheim. That we don’t die in beauty, but also give the ball away in important situations Hitting the stands is a huge key.”
The guests from the Rhineland hardly had any chances against passionately defending Heidenheimers. Jeremie Frimpong converted a combination via Jonathan Tah, Florian Wirtz and Amine Adli immediately before the break (45th + 2). After a fine pass from Wirtz, Adli (81′) made it 2-0.
They played “very seriously” and “very confidently,” commented Andrich, even if things got even more exciting at the end with the connection of Tim Kleindienst (87th). “We also need the relaxedness, as we saw with the second goal. We need this carefree attitude and this desire for football.”
According to the FCH coach, Leverkusen can only “stop themselves”
The Leverkusen team didn’t really care about the record they set. “Being unbeaten isn’t what’s important either way,” said sports director Simon Rolfes: “Winning a lot is what makes me happy.” You don’t play to avoid losing, but to win. The record is “a consequence of winning.” Rolfes praised the mentality for taking this game well. “If Leverkusen continues like this, they can only stop themselves. And it doesn’t look like that at the moment,” said FCH coach Frank Schmidt.
His Leverkusen colleague Alonso appeared calm. “We have learned a lot. But there is still a lot to do. We are in a good situation, we want to keep going, game by game,” he said. There are still 12 match days left until the end of the season.