Struggling ex-champs face Frankfurt test

How have they started?

Frankfurt could not have asked for a better opening couple of weeks to the 2025/26 season.

Back-to-back wins have put them second in the Bundesliga, only behind Bayern Munich on goal difference, while they are one of only three teams to have won their first two matches.

For context, it is the first time since 2012 that the Eagles have kicked off a new season with two wins from two.

In contrast, Leverkusen are struggling to adapt to life after Xabi Alonso.

They looked to be on their way to an opening day victory against Hoffenheim, yet ultimately succumbed 2-1, while they let a 3-1 lead against 10-man Werder Bremen slip as they drew 3-3 on Matchday 2.

That has already seen head coach Erik ten Hag replaced by former Denmark boss Kasper Hjulmand as the Werkself look for answers to their problems.

Attacking threat

Again, only Bayern have been more prolific than Dino Toppmöller’s side. The summer exit of Hugo Ekitiké, as well as an injury to his replacement Jonathan Burkardt, threatened to blunt Frankfurt’s forward line, but there are goals everywhere you look.

Summer arrival Ritsu Dōan already looks like a shrewd signing - the Japan international following up a brace in his debut against Engers in the DFB Cup first round with another pair of goals in Frankfurt’s 3-1 win over Hoffenheim - while Can Uzun and Jean-Mattéo Bahoya have also displayed their offensive threat with goals.

Amongst all the incomings and outgoings at the BayArena, Patrik Schick remains one of the few constants. The Czechia forward has three goals in his opening three games and looks as deadly as ever.

Malik Tillman, who joined from PSV Eindhoven in the summer, scored on his debut versus Bremen and should provide goals and creativity.

Still, it remains to be seen whether he can replace the vision and cutting edge of Florian Wirtz, the biggest name amongst the horde of players who left during the transfer window.

Watch: Eintracht Frankfurt’s conveyor belt of talent

Defensive outlook

From Leverkusen’s perspective, the most upheaval was undoubtedly at the back.

Captain Lukáš Hrádecký, Jeremie Frimpong, Jonathan Tah and Piero Hincapié have all moved on to pastures new, leading to a new-look backline. Mark Flekken has replaced Hradecky and brings with him experience, as does five-time UEFA Champions League winner Lucas Vázquez upon his arrival from Real Madrid.

However, Jarell Quansah is just 22 and arrived in Leverkusen with only 17 league starts to his name, while Loïc Badé will also need to settle in alongside Alejandro Grimaldo and Edmond Tapsoba, the two remaining defensive members of the 2023/24 Bundesliga title win.

That instability was evident as Leverkusen conceded five goals in their opening two matches – only three sides in the top flight have shipped more.

There has also been change at Frankfurt, although not on the same scale.

Experienced goalkeeper Kevin Trapp recently made the switch to Paris FC, leading sporting director Markus Krösche to bring in Michael Zetterer from Bremen, while Tuta joined Al-Duhail in Qatar.

Instead of bringing in defensive reinforcements, though, Frankfurt have utilized what they already had, moving Nnamdi Collins into the heart of the back four alongside new skipper Robin Koch.

Frankfurt have not been quite as impressive while defending as when moving up the pitch, but they have still conceded only twice.

It will be interesting to see how they deal with Leverkusen’s array of bright young talents who may make up for what they lack in chemistry with a desire to make an immediate impact.

A new coach against a seasoned pro

Hjulmand may not lack experience in coaching, but he may need time to adapt to his new role.

His most recent position was a four-year stint in charge of Denmark, and while he enjoyed success with the Nordic nation by leading them to the Euro 2020 semi-finals, club football is a different kettle of fish to the international stage.

The former Mainz boss will also need to get used to his players, plenty of whom are only just getting familiar with their surroundings themselves. His man-management skills will be key in the early weeks of his reign.

Toppmöller, meanwhile, is at the start of his third season in charge at the Deutsche Bank Park and has taken his team from strength to strength.

His maiden term ended in a solid sixth-place finish, and he followed that up with a third place in 2024/25 – particularly impressive when you consider it was Frankfurt’s best finish in 32 years and was achieved following the mid-campaign sale of top scorer Omar Marmoush.

Toppmöller has benefitted from patience and trust and has subsequently put together a dangerous team, which is something Hjulmand will hope he gets at Leverkusen.

On Friday, though, the new man will hope the element of surprise leads to his team picking up all three points.