Leverkusen became the first team to remain unbeaten in the entire Bundesliga, winning the competition for the first time in history and ending Bayern Munich’s 11-year reign as German champions.
But the remarkable season enjoyed by Xabi Alonso’s side is not yet over. They face Atalanta in the Europa League final in Dublin on Wednesday before trying to clinch the DFB-Pokal title when they face Kaiserslautern on Saturday.
They are just two games away from a historic treble – the unbeaten treble. In an exclusive interview with German football legend Jurgen Klinsmann, he discusses how they did it, why it’s so important for the Bundesliga, and what comes next…
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Jurgen Klinsmann explains how Leverkusen sparked imagination in Germany
Has Leverkusen shocked German football?
“I think this is a Bundesliga season that no one expected in advance. With Bayer Leverkusen and Xabi Alonso’s team, everyone is very surprised, very surprised and somehow accepts this. A journey.
“Because every week you think they’re going to lose the first game, they’re going to lose one. And then they tie it in the 97th minute, the 98th minute, the 100th minute, or they score the winning goal at the last second. , all these things.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Watch a collection of Leverkusen’s best stoppage time rescue efforts
“They continued the trip and it didn’t seem to be over yet. But it’s a breath of fresh air for Germany, for all Bundesliga fans, for all fans in this country. Ten years after Bayern Munich won the title, it’s time for the Bundesliga Someone made a change.
“Leverkusen did it and did it in a fantastic way, with such an attacking style, so much energy, and they attracted all the fans – maybe not Bayern Munich fans, but other fans. Bayer Leverkusen.
“Now, the story is not over yet, because they can still win the Europa League, they can also win the DFB-Pokal, which is as important for us in Germany as the FA Cup. It’s a big thing. Probably the DFB-Pokal. Very similar to the FA Cup.
“They can win against a second division team in Kaiserslautern, which is obviously always a first division team, but it’s something that can be captured.
“Then they will play Atalanta Bergamo in the Europa League final, a very good team, a very strong team, a very uncomfortable team, but they have played so far , so why not do all three?
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Highlights as Leverkusen completes unbeaten Bundesliga season
One of the greatest seasons ever?
“Yes, I would say that. Obviously, if you go an entire season unbeaten, it rarely happens anymore. It happened to Arsenal many years ago. It was something very special and no one really expected it. will happen.
“But from a certain point of view, how they have worked with the football players over the past few years, they have been very lucky with Xavi Alonso, who has such a good connection with the club. Still a very young coach and Good links with the club.
“But this team was built over the years by Rudi Voller, who is now the sporting director of the German Football Association. Step by step, they discovered player after player, some that no one expected. The talent is going to be on Jude Bellingham level.
“Florian Wirtz is their genius and he could be one of the surprises of this European Cup. They have brought [Granit] Xhaka joined from Arsenal and became a leader in the midfield, controlling the entire game.
“They have a strong defensive line, so it feels like everything is falling into place. The pieces of the puzzle that they’ve created and put together over the last four or five years have now reached the highest level possible and made this run possible. It’s a fantastic story. , a fairy tale where they’re still alive and we’re now all curious about how they’re going to end it.
Please use Chrome browser for a more convenient video player
Leverkusen celebrates Bundesliga trophy after winning last game
Can Leverkusen’s success continue?
“I think so, they can’t go unbeaten all year again and win the title again, but they definitely have the ability to go head-to-head with Bayern Munich again and challenge them again.”
“Of course you can expect Bayern Munich to be back in the transfer market and they will add a few players to their squad to catch up with Bayer Leverkusen now because they are angry and when Bayern Munich are angry they go into transfers market.
“Usually, they do it with the opponent’s two or three best players and if they can’t catch them, they go after the coach. But Xabi Alonso, as you know, has Said he would at least stay at Leverkusen for now.
“It’s great because it gives them a chance to try again in the Bundesliga but also see how they can now survive in the Champions League in the new format of the Champions League. It’s something worthwhile for Bundesliga fans Great things to look forward to and see how next season goes.
