Bayer Leverkusen talisman Granit Xhaka has called on his teammates to challenge for the Bundesliga title again ahead of the new campaign after last season’s surprise triumph.
Granit Xhaka, the captain of Bayer Leverkusen, has urged his colleagues to contend for the Bundesliga title once more in the upcoming season following the unexpected victory of the previous one. When Xhaka joined from Premier League runners-up Arsenal at the beginning of the previous season, there were questions because Leverkusen had just finished in fifth place and rookie coach Xabi Alonso was getting ready for his first full season leading the first team. A club who had never won the Bundesliga before, however, added the German Cup to their collection and only lost one of 53 games across all competitions. This was something that no German team, not even Bayern Munich, had ever accomplished.
Speaking to AFP at the team’s preseason training camp in the scenic Donaueschingen hamlet, home of Euro 2024 champions Spain, Xhaka stated that the previous season was only the start.
“We know people are hoping to beat us, they will try and they will do everything,” he stated.
“But we still have the hunger to be where we were last season.”
Following the most successful 18 months of his career, the 31-year-old stated that the criticism he received while at Arsenal motivated him.
In 2016, Xhaka left Borussia Moenchengladbach to join Arsenal.
He made 297 appearances for the Gunners, although he frequently faced criticism from the crowd, sometimes for being too sentimental on the field.
Xhaka, who has led Switzerland since 2018, was appointed captain of Arsenal a year later. However, he lost his armband after just a month due to an outburst toward supporters who applauded when he was substituted.
He said that the criticism has played a significant role in his comeback at Leverkusen, even if most of it can be attributed to the frustrations of a fan base that is starving of success.
“I enjoy criticism because it might help you become stronger. This is my belief,” he said to AFP.
“I don’t give up, but I consider what they are saying and consider whether I should adjust or add to what they are saying.
You must have mental toughness and self-confidence in your ability to succeed.
“I was a very different kind of player ten years ago—much more emotional. I’m not as emotional today. Experience, in my opinion, shapes who you are.
Xhaka returned from Leverkusen’s preseason friendly in north London in August as something the team truly values: a “invincible.”
Similar to Arsenal during their flawless Premier League season in 2003–04, Leverkusen concluded the Bundesliga with ninety points despite participating in four less games.
Despite spending “seven beautiful years” with the club, Xhaka claimed he “never thought about” replicating Arsenal’s unbeatable record. He continued, saying, “I had the feeling or the belief that this only happens once in football.”
“I was involved with it in Germany 20 years later, starting with Arsenal in 2004. It elevates your sense of self.
‘See the music’
Even though Xhaka isn’t Leverkusen’s captain, he has emerged as both Alonso’s spokesperson and the team’s on-field leader.
This season’s Champions League includes five German teams, including Leverkusen.
Many of the club’s younger players have not yet participated in the competition, but Xhaka promised to mentor them.
“Perhaps they’re anxious. You need to feel this sensation, even if you can go to them, speak with them, and explain things to them.
“You need to see the music, the atmosphere (and) what it is in these games.”
When Xhaka’s four-year deal with Leverkusen expires, he will be thirty-five years old.
Xhaka began earning his FA coaching badges while at Arsenal and is currently an assistant coach at Union Nettetal, a fifth-tier team, all while keeping an eye on the future.
“(The traineeship) helped me a lot, because a coach maybe thinks more far ahead than a player (does).”
Xhaka stated at Leverkusen that “the coach’s belief in me and my ability to impact the team during a game is the most crucial factor.”
Together, we win even when we lose. I will definitely attempt to assist the coach on the field if I can.”
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