by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, March 14 (Xinhua) -- While Bayer Leverkusen's efforts to build a new training campus drag on, the plans mirror the club's current state of limbo.
Ahead of Sunday's league encounter in Stuttgart, sportive issues burden the side of Spanish star coach Xabi Alonso following unprecedented consecutive three defeats including the humiliating exit in the UEFA Champions League's last-16 ties against national rival Bayern Munich (5-0 on aggregate) - not to speak of the uncertain future of Alonso and midfield genius Florian Wirtz.
Although chances remain in this season's German Cup competition due to Bayer's semifinal participation, their prospects on international competition and the league title race seem to have been dashed by an eight-point setback.
"The return to mortality," the sports magazine Kicker described the current downward trend, following an unbeaten run in last year's league campaign, during which Leverkusen had been nearly unbeatable.
While Alonso's reputation as a tactical genius might have suffered, the club is facing a load of unrealistic expectations assuming long-lasting sunshine.
"We have lost parts of our efficiency, but are still doing good," the Leverkusen coach said, adding: "We have to be realistic." Realism seems to tell the national rookie, heading into the exclusive circle of Europe's top sides requires further efforts and steps.
For now, media is reporting that the 43-year-old coach might consider leaving for a bigger club.
While rumors around Alonso and a possible move to Real Madrid persist, Wirtz is in the headlines talking of a possible move to Real Madrid or Bayern. The coach is owning a contract until 2026, the midfielder until 2027.
Amidst the unsolved cases, sporting director Simon Rolfes claims to be optimistic about a longer stay of Alonso and Wirtz, despite reports of Spanish media talking of Real Madrid having launched a new proposal.
The outcome of the puzzle might depend on the progress gained in the final stages of the season.
Ahead of the delicate duel in Stuttgart, Alonso was demanding patience as he asked the team and club to adjust to the higher quality level in the Champions League and deal with the grown expectations. ■
