Football Season Guide

Bayer Leverkusen were one of the surprise packages of last season as not only did they reach European football, they finished in the top three to ensure a return to the Champions League. That was a tremendous achievement but having lost their manager to Bayern Munich it remains to be seen how Robin Dutt will fare as his successor. He did very well with Freiburg but leading Leverkusen, a side with much loftier ambitions, is a different challenge entirely. Yelldell has been signed but will be only back-up to the excellent Adler in goals. Oczipka and Toprak should boost the defence though which is now having to cope without veteran leader Hyypia who has retired. The midfield too is missing a key player as Vidal has departed to Juventus but there are still good players and much more will be expected from Ballack who was little more than quietly efficient in his first season back in German football. The attack is a real strength though as along with Kiessling and Derdiyok, several million euros have been invested in Schurrle, one of the biggest young talents in the country. Leverkusen are a good side and will certainly expect another strong campaign even if finishing in the top three could be difficult.