Bundesliga tactical predictions 2025/26: Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the Bundesliga with the seventh installment of our 18 tactical previews. This time we look at the Bayer 04 Leverkusen team, who recently won the DFB-Pokal match against SG Sonnenhof Großaspach. A new manager, Erik ten Hag, is trying to rebuild the team after a turbulent transfer period.

A new beginning

With many departures of key players, Leverkusen must reinvent themselves. Despite the challenges, new talents like Ibrahim Maza and Robert Andrich are showing promising signs. The club must now prepare for a difficult season, but full of opportunities.

Field revelations

Ibrahim Maza, the new nugget

At just 19 years old, Maza impresses with his vision of the game and his ability to find spaces. He could very well become an important asset for the team and also for the German national team.

Robert Andrich, the leader

Appointed team captain, Andrich must now prove that he can effectively replace Granit Xhaka. His commitment on the pitch and his talent are undoubted, but he has yet to find consistency.

Christian Kofane, The Apocalypse

With a decisive goal in pre-season, Kofane shows he has the potential to become a Bundesliga star. His impact on the game is undeniable and could exceed expectations this season.

The challenges to face

Jonas Hofmann, the Disillusioned

With the rise of young talents like Maza, Hofmann found himself relegated to the bench. His future with the team is uncertain and he must now prove his worth if he wants to regain his starting place.

Malik Tillman, Uncertainty

Injuries have prevented Tillman from showing his full potential. Now he must seize the opportunity and prove that he deserves his place in the team.

Farid Alfa-Ruprecht, the Forgotten

With the arrival of Ernest Poku, Alfa-Ruprecht found itself relegated to the background. His future with the team is uncertain and he now has to fight to prove his worth.

The winning tactic

In the recent DFB-Pokal match, Leverkusen showed signs of progress despite a difficult start. With a team in the process of rebuilding, the path to success seems difficult but full of promise.

Next challenge

The team is now preparing for their first Bundesliga match against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. A match that promises to be difficult, but which could reveal the true potential of this rapidly evolving team.

Stay tuned for more tactical analysis and insights into Bayer 04 Leverkusen, a team in the midst of transformation.

Let’s dive into the Bundesliga spotlight with the seventh chapter of our tactical previews, focusing on Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Fresh from a DFB-Pokal victory over SG Sonnenhof Großaspach, the Werkself enter a transitional phase under new leadership. With Erik ten Hag at the helm, the club is attempting to stabilize and redefine its identity following a turbulent transfer window.

A New Beginning

Leverkusen’s recent squad turnover has forced a structural reset. The departure of key figures has inevitably altered tactical dynamics, leadership balance, and dressing-room hierarchy. Ten Hag, known for his positional play principles and structured pressing systems, faces the challenge of embedding his philosophy into a reshaped squad.

Early signs suggest a shift toward controlled build-up phases, greater midfield compactness, and disciplined defensive transitions. Players such as Ibrahim Maza are beginning to show technical maturity and tactical adaptability, while Robert Andrich provides the physical presence and defensive awareness necessary to anchor the midfield. Their roles could become central in maintaining balance between creativity and solidity.

The DFB-Pokal performance offered glimpses of cohesion, though consistency will be the true benchmark. Ten Hag’s systems demand precision in spacing and coordinated movement—qualities that require time to refine, especially after significant personnel changes.

The upcoming season may prove demanding, particularly against more settled Bundesliga rivals. However, transitional periods also open space for unexpected leaders and tactical evolution. If Leverkusen successfully integrate youth with structure and resilience, this “new beginning” could evolve into a platform for sustainable competitiveness rather than a rebuilding year defined by instability.