Can Bayer Leverkusen challenge FC Bayern for the title? Before the top game in Munich, sports director Simon Rolfes gives insights into a spectacular transfer summer – and reveals how he persuaded Xabi Alonso to extend his contract.
Simon Rolfes played for Bayer Leverkusen for ten years, from 2005 to 2015, including seven years as captain. The 41-year-old has now begun his second season as sports director of the factory club – and lo and behold: Leverkusen goes into the Bundesliga top game on Friday evening (8.30 p.m./Dazn) at FC Bayern as first in the table, with the Munich team tied for second place. Will this possibly develop into an exciting duel for the title? In any case, the former national player Rolfes has built a very exciting squad together with the Spanish coach Xabi Alonso in Leverkusen. A conversation about key transfers, millions from London – and a trump card that makes many things easier at Bayer.