Leverkusen wary of new-coach bounce at Bochum
Bayer Leverkusen must show consistency and focus upon its return to Bundesliga action after a UEFA Champions League hammering against Liverpool.
Those were the words of Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who endured a miserable return to Anfield as the German champion was beaten 4-0 last week.
Luis Diaz's second-half hat-trick and Cody Gakpo's header compounded Leverkusen to defeat, although that result had been coming, according to Alonso.
Die Werkself has managed just one win from its past five Bundesliga outings, dropping it to fourth having taken 16 points from its nine league games this term.
Alonso's side is nine points worse off compared to last year, with the last reigning champion to start a campaign so poorly being Borussia Dortmund in 2012-2013 when it collected 15 points.
"We have to become consistent in the game with our concentration and mentality," Alonso said.
"That's what we need to improve most. We want to be consistent in our way of playing but also our mentality and our focus. Every moment is important.
"It is not enough to play well over 80 minutes. We need it over the entire time with 100% presence on the pitch.
"If not then we make mistakes and mistakes at this high level are costly."
Leverkusen makes the trip to Vonovia Ruhrstadion to face bottom club Bochum, which has managed just one point from its nine games so far this season.
Only Greuther Furth (2021-2022) and Saarbrucken (inaugural 1963-1964 Bundesliga season) have started off worse than Bochum in the league.
But considering Bochum's -20 goal difference, it has recorded the worst start by a Bundesliga team, resulting in Peter Zeidler's dismissal last month.
Dieter Hecking was announced as the club's new head coach earlier this week, and Alonso is expecting a tricky encounter this weekend.
"We want to be consistent. We can do it better and tomorrow it is important to play well. We are prepared for all situations," Alonso said.
"We know what to expect," Alonso said. "The intensity in Bochum, a new coach. They want to change the mood and mindset. But we are prepared. We know what to expect.
"We have to know it is very important for us. Tomorrow there are no excuses for not playing well. We face a good opponent, but we have to be prepared."
