As March unfolds, Bayer Leverkusen continues to maintain an unblemished record, a feat not confined to the Bundesliga but extending across all competitions. In an exclusive conversation with Tribal Football, Keld Bordinggaard, the club’s Head of Coaching at 61, offers illuminating perspectives just days after Xabi Alonso’s squad surged to a commanding 10-point lead over perennial champions Bayern Munich. Yet, amidst this remarkable achievement, exuberance finds no place in Bordinggaard’s demeanor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We savor the moment, but refrain from premature celebrations,” asserts Bordinggaard, mindful of Leverkusen’s storied past, including their runner-up status across three competitions in the 2001\/02 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reflecting on the coaching staff’s composition, Bordinggaard addresses the burgeoning interest from elite clubs like Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Liverpool in securing Alonso’s services. Can Leverkusen retain him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The entire club aspires to retain him, undoubtedly. This collective group of players and coaching staff harbors unfulfilled potential,” affirms Bordinggaard, underscoring the concerted efforts to adhere to a footballing philosophy meticulously crafted by the coaching cadre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While Alonso’s appointment may have seemed unconventional initially, given his limited managerial experience, Leverkusen exhibited unwavering faith amid relegation threats. Bordinggaard cites Marcelo Bielsa’s adage\u2014”don’t showcase a manager’s results, demonstrate their methodology”\u2014highlighting the strategic foresight underpinning Alonso’s recruitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With an impressive Bundesliga tally of 21 victories in 25 rounds, Leverkusen’s ascendancy is underpinned by meticulous groundwork laid several years ago. Bordinggaard elucidates on a blueprint meticulously crafted to foster sustained competitiveness, culminating in a top-four Bundesliga finish and top-16 European standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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