Bundesliga 2024-25: Leverkusen pays price for soft defending in Bremen draw, says coach Alonso

Werder twice came from a goal down to snatch a point and leave Leverkusen with a third draw in its last four league games.

Published : Oct 27, 2024 08:57 IST , Bremen - 1 MIN READ

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reacts after Werder Bremen’s Marvin Ducksch scores.
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reacts after Werder Bremen’s Marvin Ducksch scores. | Photo Credit: REUTERS
infoIcon

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reacts after Werder Bremen’s Marvin Ducksch scores. | Photo Credit: REUTERS

Bayer Leverkusen’s sloppy performance in its 2-2 draw at Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Saturday, which included conceding a 90th-minute equaliser, was down to the German champions’ weak defending, coach Xabi Alonso said.

Werder twice came from a goal down to snatch a point and leave Leverkusen with a third draw in its last four league games.

“The fact that Werder could come back was down to both sides,” Alonso said. “We were too soft in defending and they used their chances.

“We can and must defend better. At the moment we are missing a bit of stability. When we win it back then we will improve,” said the Spanish coach, who led them to an unbeaten domestic league and Cup double last season.

ALSO READ | Leverkusen twice wastes lead to draw 2-2 at Werder despite Boniface goal on comeback

“At the end of the day we cannot be satisfied having twice wasted a lead,” Alonso said. “It is not the first time this has happened to us this season. There are things we need to correct.”

Leverkusen’s latest slip-up in the league has left them five points off leader RB Leipzig in third place. It also drew 1-1 at Brest in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“This feels like crap,” said central defender Jonathan Tah. “Like a defeat. We just have to keep defending until the last second.

“The goals we let in were frustrating. I feel responsible. But we will get the chance to silence those talking about us now.”

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment