German Football Bayer Leverkusen

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dickwalton1964

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What a brand of football they play! Watched a lot of the game last night and they’re incredible. I’ve said it many times that I’m not a fan of the way City play, they’re obviously a fantastic side but that slow, largely sideways and backward passing, with a sting in the tail isn’t for me. While Leverkusen pass the ball to death they do it with pace and virtually every pass is a forward one. Their retrieval of the ball is a sight to behold, they had two or three men on every West Ham player right up to the last seconds - West Ham quite simply could not breathe. Their energy levels I’ve not seen the like of before.

They play this slick, one touch football, not just around the box but they’re playing it quite literally in the tightest of areas and to within 7 or 8 yards of goal. The only flaw I could really see was the final ball wasn’t there sometimes, hardly surprising when you’re playing your football in a packed box like that!

No one will touch them in the Europa League, they’re head and shoulders above anyone left in that. Keep this up and they will be a big threat in CL next season.
 
I believe they are still unbeaten this season in all competitions?
 
dickwalton1964 said:
What a brand of football they play! Watched a lot of the game last night and they’re incredible. I’ve said it many times that I’m not a fan of the way City play, they’re obviously a fantastic side but that slow, largely sideways and backward passing, with a sting in the tail isn’t for me. While Leverkusen pass the ball to death they do it with pace and virtually every pass is a forward one. Their retrieval of the ball is a sight to behold, they had two or three men on every West Ham player right up to the last seconds - West Ham quite simply could not breathe. Their energy levels I’ve not seen the like of before.

They play this slick, one touch football, not just around the box but they’re playing it quite literally in the tightest of areas and to within 7 or 8 yards of goal. The only flaw I could really see was the final ball wasn’t there sometimes, hardly surprising when you’re playing your football in a packed box like that!

No one will touch them in the Europa League, they’re head and shoulders above anyone left in that. Keep this up and they will be a big threat in CL next season.
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With Xabi Alonso staying and, if they can stop Bayern taking all their players, it should be fun to see how they'd do against a Man City, Real Madrid, etc.
 
Left Wing Cross said:
With Xabi Alonso staying and, if they can stop Bayern taking all their players, it should be fun to see how they'd do against a Man City, Real Madrid, etc.
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They've obviously got very good players but I'm not sure they're packed with superstars or have any potential superstars even, I think he just has them playing in a very identifiable system where they all know exactly what they're doing. They defend resolutely and don't over play at the back (unlike so many modern day teams), it's all about getting the ball forward to feet - and quick. Barcelona, under Pep, were probably the hardest working side I've ever seen but Leverkusen take it to another level, teams far better than West Ham will no doubt give them more to think about but they don't look about to roll over for anyone.
 
dickwalton1964 said:
They've obviously got very good players but I'm not sure they're packed with superstars or have any potential superstars even, I think he just has them playing in a very identifiable system where they all know exactly what they're doing. They defend resolutely and don't over play at the back (unlike so many modern day teams), it's all about getting the ball forward to feet - and quick. Barcelona, under Pep, were probably the hardest working side I've ever seen but Leverkusen take it to another level, teams far better than West Ham will no doubt give them more to think about but they don't look about to roll over for anyone.
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I suspect Jeremie Frimpong will be a superstar. Rumours that the top PL teams are after him already, not that it means he will move.
 
dickwalton1964 said:
What a brand of football they play! Watched a lot of the game last night and they’re incredible. I’ve said it many times that I’m not a fan of the way City play, they’re obviously a fantastic side but that slow, largely sideways and backward passing, with a sting in the tail isn’t for me. While Leverkusen pass the ball to death they do it with pace and virtually every pass is a forward one. Their retrieval of the ball is a sight to behold, they had two or three men on every West Ham player right up to the last seconds - West Ham quite simply could not breathe. Their energy levels I’ve not seen the like of before.

They play this slick, one touch football, not just around the box but they’re playing it quite literally in the tightest of areas and to within 7 or 8 yards of goal. The only flaw I could really see was the final ball wasn’t there sometimes, hardly surprising when you’re playing your football in a packed box like that!

No one will touch them in the Europa League, they’re head and shoulders above anyone left in that. Keep this up and they will be a big threat in CL next season.
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I thought West Ham actually demonstrated for 75 mins how to counter them. Low block, individual press whilst maintaining a rigid structure. Leverkusen passed them to death though, heavily reliant on wing backs but can see why they've done well this season. Wirtz looks one hell of a player, Boniface changed the game in a good way too. Be interesting to see how they deal with West Ham going for it from minute one next week
 
WEYellow said:
I thought West Ham actually demonstrated for 75 mins how to counter them. Low block, individual press whilst maintaining a rigid structure. Leverkusen passed them to death though, heavily reliant on wing backs but can see why they've done well this season. Wirtz looks one hell of a player, Boniface changed the game in a good way too. Be interesting to see how they deal with West Ham going for it from minute one next week
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Not sure West Ham will go for it from minute one, might be what the fans want but it isn't the way Moyes approaches games. They're only two behind so I think they'll be fairly cautious, knowing that there will be no coming back if Leverkusen get 3 ahead on aggregate. I think West Ham would definitely take 0-0 at half time, look to get ahead by the 70th minute and then feed off a frenetic crowd for the last 25 minutes to try and get even. I can't see it though and I think BL will cruise through in the end - 3-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.
 
It's one of the greatest seasons in European football history that they're putting together - in one of the major leagues, anyway.

Arsenal 2003-04 may have finished the league season unbeaten, but they drew a dozen league games and didn't reach the final of any of the three Cups they entered.

If Leverkusen can get through their next 11 games without defeat, and do the treble, it will be utterly unique. April 21st away to a Dortmund side that's in a tight scrap for the final Champions League place looks like the toughest test remaining.......

Easy to root for them as well, given that they appear to be a group of decent, hardworking, talented players with a manager that's showing some loyalty to his club.
 
tonyw said:
It's one of the greatest seasons in European football history that they're putting together - in one of the major leagues, anyway.

Arsenal 2003-04 may have finished the league season unbeaten, but they drew a dozen league games and didn't reach the final of any of the three Cups they entered.

If Leverkusen can get through their next 11 games without defeat, and do the treble, it will be utterly unique. April 21st away to a Dortmund side that's in a tight scrap for the final Champions League place looks like the toughest test remaining.......

Easy to root for them as well, given that they appear to be a group of decent, hardworking, talented players with a manager that's showing some loyalty to his club.
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Especially when they have the "Never-kusen" tag. To go from no trophies to what they could possibly achieve this season is remarkable.
 
dickwalton1964 said:
Not sure West Ham will go for it from minute one, might be what the fans want but it isn't the way Moyes approaches games. They're only two behind so I think they'll be fairly cautious, knowing that there will be no coming back if Leverkusen get 3 ahead on aggregate. I think West Ham would definitely take 0-0 at half time, look to get ahead by the 70th minute and then feed off a frenetic crowd for the last 25 minutes to try and get even. I can't see it though and I think BL will cruise through in the end - 3-1 on the night and 5-1 on aggregate.
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Not sure I ever understand this logic, but I am no expert.

Why be cautious and hold on for 0-0 at half time then throw everything at it on the assumption that it will put them ahead at 70 minutes to then have little time to try and get even.

Being cautious will invite BL on to them and just add pressure. Put them on the back foot from the off, try to get a 1-0 half time lead and make BL feel the pressure 🤷🏼‍♂️
 
tonyw said:
It's one of the greatest seasons in European football history that they're putting together - in one of the major leagues, anyway.

Arsenal 2003-04 may have finished the league season unbeaten, but they drew a dozen league games and didn't reach the final of any of the three Cups they entered.

If Leverkusen can get through their next 11 games without defeat, and do the treble, it will be utterly unique. April 21st away to a Dortmund side that's in a tight scrap for the final Champions League place looks like the toughest test remaining.......

Easy to root for them as well, given that they appear to be a group of decent, hardworking, talented players with a manager that's showing some loyalty to his club.
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I worked for Bayer in Leverkusen as a student synthesising dyes, so definitely easy for me to root for them. Weird town with Bayer owning department stores, most of the commercial buildings etc.
 
MC Yellow said:
Not sure I ever understand this logic, but I am no expert.

Why be cautious and hold on for 0-0 at half time then throw everything at it on the assumption that it will put them ahead at 70 minutes to then have little time to try and get even.

Being cautious will invite BL on to them and just add pressure. Put them on the back foot from the off, try to get a 1-0 half time lead and make BL feel the pressure 🤷🏼‍♂️
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Or go gung ho from minute one, concede after 10 minutes and have 85 minutes of restless fans on your back.
 
West Ham have the ideal man to come in alongside Antonio in Danny Ings
Whether Moyes will have the cojones to change the habits of a lifetime & start him if Bowen isn't fit is another matter
Leverkusen look like the real deal this season
 
If anyone is interested, Sky are streaming what should be Leverkusen's title confirmation this afternoon on youtube.
 
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