Change isn’t always a positive
Gladbach again adopted a slightly different variation of the back three that worked so well against Bayern last weekend, this time playing with a defined four across midfield with Ibrahima Traore as an attacking midfielder. However, the team as a whole was instructed to sit deeper than it has in the past, waiting for Leverkusen to take the game to them rather than the other way around.
The problem was that when Leverkusen did, Gladbach did not respond effectively and were undone as a result. While change is good on the part of manager Andre Schubert, he may need to tone it down in a bid to make sure his side reaches the Winter break on a high.
Chicha’ in the form of his life
The footballing internet’s favourite stat at the moment is that in the past 12 Manchester United matches, the side collectively has scored 10 goals. However in the past 12 matches of former Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, he himself has 15 goals. For a player in a new league, formerly hung out to dry at his old club, it is an incredible change of fortunes. Chicharito is adored by the Leverkusen fans and given the support he needs, something that was often lacking in England. Clearly a perfect fit for this run-and-gun, press all the time Bayer side, expect the man to continue scoring all the way up to the Winter break and beyond that too.
Javier Hernández has just scored his 13th goal in his last 12 games for Bayer Leverkusen. Look away, Man Utd fans. pic.twitter.com/kiYi6OR9z5
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 12, 2015
Can Leverkusen drop ‘Neverkusen’?
They have forever been the bridesmaids of German football, finishing second in the Bundesliga no less than five times and are still searching for that elusive Bundesliga title. However, they are beginning to show signs that they can finally challenge. An inconsistent start to the season has hurt them, however they played well against Barcelona in midweek, despite failing to win, and will now be riding a train of confidence all the way into the season break.
They now move into the Europa League after finishing third in their group, and along with Dortmund, pose a serious German danger to the rest of the competition. If Roger Schmidt can continue to keep his charges playing like this, then Leverkusen fans may just find themselves with a change of fortune sooner than expected.
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