New mode presents challenges for Bayer Leverkusen

Simon Rolfes is positive about the new format in the Champions League, while Thomas Eichin sees a major challenge.
IMAGO/Moritz Müller

The format is new with the league system instead of the group phase, but Bayer 04 Leverkusen's goal before the start of the Champions League is the same as before: “Our goal is to get into the knockout round,” Simon Rolfes explains to kicker. And one thing is a prerequisite for that: “We have to be ready – in every game,” demands the Leverkusen managing director. This includes the opening game at Feyenoord Rotterdam this Thursday (6:45 p.m., LIVE! on kicker).

In De Kuip, at the Dutch runner-up, the factory club, I want to take the first big step to end up among the best 24 teams. “We can win there. We're going there with that goal in mind,” says Rolfes, who leaves it open whether the plan is to qualify for the round of 16 directly, i.e. via the first eight places, or via the play-offs.

The 42-year-old finds the new format extremely interesting. “There will be changes in the table right up until the end. It will be exciting right up until the last game,” says the manager, citing one advantage of the new format. Up until now, the top clubs have been able to rest their stars at the end of the group phase because first place or at least participation in the round of 16 was already secured.

Eichin feels “a completely different tension”

That is hardly possible now, as every position in the table affects the strength of the opponent and the home advantage in the second game in the knockout round through the seeding list derived from it. Thomas Eichin therefore does not expect “any great tactics”.

The team manager, who has the cumbersome title of Director of Licensing, sees completely different conditions for Bayer 04 compared to last year. “If you compare it to the Europa League and the group we had there last year, then it's a totally different level. From day one it's about everything – I don't want to say it's about everything, but it's a completely different tension,” said Eichin.

In the last two group matches against BK Häcken and Molde FK, when progress and first place were already certain, coach Xabi Alonso sent a better B team onto the field. Now the number of games is increasing, as is the quality of the opponents and the pressure to perform.

Tactics? “That’s not possible with this mode”

“There are two more games – that's definitely a factor. And at some point, depending on where you end up, there will be another two games through the play-offs. You have to take that into account in your squad. You have to see how you plan that tactically,” explained Eichin, “that's something different to last year with the Europa League.”

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All teams are under pressure from the start. Bayer 04, who are not among the favorites, are even more so. “It's difficult enough to get into the top eight when you see which team is playing,” says Eichin, “so it will be important from the first game that you get something straight away. That also applies to us in Rotterdam.”

Bayern's 9:2 as a mode effect “provides more material for discussion”

Eichin has also noticed a change in perception among the professionals thanks to the new format. “You can see that everyone is excited. You're following everything that's happening now, and not just the teams in your group. You're looking everywhere. Even at Bayern Munich, who started with nine goals,” says the 57-year-old.

Munich's 9-2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb can also be seen as an effect of the new system. Bayern, who would probably have slowed down at 5-2 in the old system, have now created an advantage over all the clubs that will later have the same number of points with a goal difference of +7. “That's quite a big advantage. You're already a bit ahead,” stresses Eichin, “that gives you more to talk about.”

Even two-time champion Xabi Alonso is breaking new ground

Even for Xabi Alonso, who won the Champions League as a player with Liverpool FC and Real Madrid, this constellation is new territory. However, the Spaniard knows best how to mentally cope with the change between a holiday in the Champions League and everyday life in the league.

“He obviously has the experience of how to deal with it. You'll be up against opponents who are the highlight of the week,” says Eichin, “and then you'll have to get back into the rhythm of the Bundesliga – that will be a challenge for our team. Xabi Alonso's tips and tricks will play a crucial role in this.