UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Season

[junder]

Leverkusen is not as strong as last season, seeing them humiliated by Arsenal in a friendly match proves that Xabi Alonso's concoction can be predicted by other coaches, proving that we should not look too much at last season, there must be a difference in play and a decline in performance, this will affect them in the Bundesliga and will be an opportunity for Bayern Munich,
in this case Xabi Alonso must immediately improve the mentality of his players, instill high confidence so that his team becomes solid and consistent again

I don't really favor this team in the UEFA Champions League, but I want to see if Leverkusen will be the difference and surprise us all. that is the answer that Leverkusen must prove and I look forward to it.

It just a friendly match so don't take it seriously because i am sure Xabi Alonso have already to analyzed and evaluate this loses and during this summer actually Leverkusen didn't lost their key players because according to their transfer lists some of the players who leave is not Leverkusen main players so after seeing these conditions i think Leverkusen is still same just like last season because they are still solid

Leverkusen friendlies matches indeed don't run well because they were humiliated by Arsenal and draw against 3rd division team Rot-Weiss Essen but don't mean they will be automatically very weak next season because champion league even hasn't starting yet so i think people shouldn't be underestimate them

Last season before beated by Atalanta in Europa League Leverkusen is very superiour and next season they will playing at champion league with new format and obviously they will fight against strong teams in this competition so this is the real test for Leverkusen consistency whether they can able to advances to next round or not

Of course Xabi Alonso evaluates all of that so that in the future it can be better, not losing key players before or last season does not rule out the possibility of a decline in performance. sometimes there are ups and downs especially if a team that has never lost a match gets a defeat for the first time, this will lower the player's mentality, we see the example of the defeat from Atalanta, this proves that there is a decline in mentality so that from the friendly match that Leverkusen played poorly, therefore as I said Xabi Alonso must re-instill self-confidence and high mentality so that Leverkusen becomes solid again.

well in the champions league I have no doubts saying that Leverkusen will have difficulty competing and are not a superior team but I hope there is a surprise shown.

[Weawant]

The UEFA Champions League comes first because it's consider important and priority for every club that have qualified for anticipation in the tournament. On the other hand, no matter the new formats, I'm just curious about the new standards it will elevates for the presence of elite and average clubs. Perhaps we're aware regarding the status of these clubs and knows their capacity when it comes to major tournaments.

Average clubs will come out to be more positive towards winning major titles and they always ensure to come prepared. While the elite clubs will either find easy or rough to coupled with the current formats of the UEFA Champions League. It's definitely going to be competitive for all categories and it's mainly for the best club.

The new format is going to have its own impact on every one and this isn't something to negotiate because it's going to be a new one to everyone as no one has participated in tournament with the new format before now, both the elites and the smaller teams struggling their way around a chance at the competition are going to have their fair share of the adaptation that they will need to do with the new format. The only advantage the elite teams will continually have will be in the fact that they have got a good depth and their form are mostly intact so they may have to make only but very few adjustments.

[rendravolt]

The new teams who have not played in the Champions League for a long time will certainly be a bit awkward for them because they are immediately greeted by a new format which will make them have to be able to withstand pressure and also have to be able to compete with teams that are more prepared such as Manchester City, Real Madrid and others. But the teams that are more prepared must also be able to play optimally with any opponent because the team that is feared can sometimes also get more surprising results in the Champions League this season.

Therefore, all teams must be able to adapt because if they do not prepare well, they will definitely encounter unexpected failures. Maybe for teams that have not joined for a long time, it is difficult to accept this new format, but on the other hand, teams that have often been in the champions league will also feel the same thing and this is a similarity that cannot be changed.

Surprises are always there and I think there are quite a few considering that this is the first time it has been realized next season. Of course they will not feel comfortable, but rather than thinking about it, how can they continue to gain important points in each match.

[slapper]

~snip~

Yes. Various preparations have been made to face the tight competition including the new format of the Champions League. When they are injured, the reserves that will be played will not be different from the quality of the main players. This means that they are very ready and will try their best, especially the teams that I have mentioned. My concern actually lies with the newcomer teams like Bologna and the newcomer teams from the English Premier League.

Indeed, especially with this new Champions League structure, preparations are crucial. Men, this is a meat grinder. Teams like Real Madrid have a whole other squad just as good as the first team waiting in the wings. That is the pleasure of being a massive

What about Bologna, though? recent arrivals on the block. They'll will feel the heat. Depth of their squad? Not close to the big boys now. Early departures are probably possible; fatigue will set in

Still, they qualified for their place. Count them neither totally nor completely. They give the tournament new vitality. They have heart, strategy, the element of surprise even while they lack substance. Their day could bring an upset

[emrecemsan]

I hope I understand the new format correctly. I think I agree that making the top 8 is really hard for an underdog team, but still not impossible.

I agree with you. It is still possible to see an underdog there. However I would expect only the ones with big Champions League experience. They would have the upper hand against others.

Porto is a good example for that. Maybe they don't have an amazing squad but they still benefit from their experience here. It would be thrilling to follow the teams that are in between 9th and 24th places fighting their way through last 16 as well.    There is no 2nd chance anymore like dropping to the Europa League and striving for a success there too. You are in the Champions League or out of all of these tournaments.

[Jody.Drummer]

I hope I understand the new format correctly. I think I agree that making the top 8 is really hard for an underdog team, but still not impossible.

I agree with you. It is still possible to see an underdog there. However I would expect only the ones with big Champions League experience. They would have the upper hand against others.

Porto is a good example for that. Maybe they don't have an amazing squad but they still benefit from their experience here. It would be thrilling to follow the teams that are in between 9th and 24th places fighting their way through last 16 as well.    There is no 2nd chance anymore like dropping to the Europa League and striving for a success there too. You are in the Champions League or out of all of these tournaments.

Nothing is impossible in football, all clubs have the opportunity to go further in this Champions League, even if they are not the favorites. All clubs have the opportunity, the only difference is the percentage of opportunities they have will definitely be different. We cannot assume the same percentage of opportunities that Real Madrid has with the opportunities that Girona has, for example. I do not mean to underestimate Girona, but I am sure you can understand what I mean here.

Now it depends on how they can utilize the percentage of opportunities they have, if they can play well then their chances will also increase, but if they play badly then their chances will decrease. It is not uncommon for us to see mediocre clubs being able to penetrate the knockout stages and be in the top 8, even though in the end they have to be eliminated too. However, this is a sign that anything can happen, especially if a club has great luck.

[Frankolala]

Leverkusen is not as strong as last season, seeing them humiliated by Arsenal in a friendly match proves that Xabi Alonso's concoction can be predicted by other coaches, proving that we should not look too much at last season, there must be a difference in play and a decline in performance, this will affect them in the Bundesliga and will be an opportunity for Bayern Munich,
in this case Xabi Alonso must immediately improve the mentality of his players, instill high confidence so that his team becomes solid and consistent again

I don't really favor this team in the UEFA Champions League, but I want to see if Leverkusen will be the difference and surprise us all. that is the answer that Leverkusen must prove and I look forward to it.

It just a friendly match so don't take it seriously because i am sure Xabi Alonso have already to analyzed and evaluate this loses and during this summer actually Leverkusen didn't lost their key players because according to their transfer lists some of the players who leave is not Leverkusen main players so after seeing these conditions i think Leverkusen is still same just like last season because they are still solid

Leverkusen friendlies matches indeed don't run well because they were humiliated by Arsenal and draw against 3rd division team Rot-Weiss Essen but don't mean they will be automatically very weak next season because champion league even hasn't starting yet so i think people shouldn't be underestimate them

Last season before beated by Atalanta in Europa League Leverkusen is very superiour and next season they will playing at champion league with new format and obviously they will fight against strong teams in this competition so this is the real test for Leverkusen consistency whether they can able to advances to next round or not

Of course Xabi Alonso evaluates all of that so that in the future it can be better, not losing key players before or last season does not rule out the possibility of a decline in performance. sometimes there are ups and downs especially if a team that has never lost a match gets a defeat for the first time, this will lower the player's mentality, we see the example of the defeat from Atalanta, this proves that there is a decline in mentality so that from the friendly match that Leverkusen played poorly, therefore as I said Xabi Alonso must re-instill self-confidence and high mentality so that Leverkusen becomes solid again.

well in the champions league I have no doubts saying that Leverkusen will have difficulty competing and are not a superior team but I hope there is a surprise shown.

Leverkusen is not weak and they are still solid. Losing a friendly match is nothing and most big clubs don't care about the results because they are preparing on the real match starting soon. Leverkusen was beaten by Atalanta in the finals and that was because Atalanta is a different club amd are strong than Leverkusen that season.

Leverkusen will still maintain their performance but not to the extend of being unveeaten because it is hard to achieve such record back to back. However, they will be playing in the champion league where stronger clubs are. Alonso will try his best to see that his men go far in UCL.

[hahay]

~snip~

Yes. Various preparations have been made to face the tight competition including the new format of the Champions League. When they are injured, the reserves that will be played will not be different from the quality of the main players. This means that they are very ready and will try their best, especially the teams that I have mentioned. My concern actually lies with the newcomer teams like Bologna and the newcomer teams from the English Premier League.

Indeed, especially with this new Champions League structure, preparations are crucial. Men, this is a meat grinder. Teams like Real Madrid have a whole other squad just as good as the first team waiting in the wings. That is the pleasure of being a massive

What about Bologna, though? recent arrivals on the block. They'll will feel the heat. Depth of their squad? Not close to the big boys now. Early departures are probably possible; fatigue will set in

Still, they qualified for their place. Count them neither totally nor completely. They give the tournament new vitality. They have heart, strategy, the element of surprise even while they lack substance. Their day could bring an upset

What is there to worry about Bologna and or the newcomers? Are you worried about them losing or something else? Because anyway, if they get a loss I think it's a natural result because after all, the competition in the Champions League is about the top teams. Indeed, at certain moments there will be surprises that occur when a mediocre team is able to advance further, but in reality, this doesn't happen often and is quite rare for it to happen either. So yes, if Bologna are eliminated early I think it's natural, due to the fact that Bologna also have a new coach who will certainly be a differentiating factor also with their success last season with Thiago Motta.

With such considerations, then I think there is nothing to worry about because at least, the concern is about the top teams that may still be in doubt for example like PSG will play without Mbappe next season. I think it would make more sense when worrying about a top team that doesn't seem to have a chance of going further, if comparing a mediocre team to a losing result, because that would be natural.

[Blitzboy]

The champions league new format has now become something very special and all teams are looking at the future of it and how they can become very competitive and successful amidst the tough challenges they’re going to face. Top teams are always looking for ways to always propel in any situation they find themselves, so starting to prepare ahead of time will be their most important priority now. This format also gives opportunities to the smaller teams if they can be consistent and can be able to resist the pressure throughout the games in the first round and going forward in the other rounds too.

The new format practically destroys the chances of ordinary teams - after each victory over the favorite, you will get an even stronger opponent in the future, and so on 7 times in a row. In the old format, you had to beat a weak/equal opponent once and a strong one once (usually there were 2 clear favorites in the group) to get to the playoffs. Now you have to consistently be stronger than many strong clubs, and besides, your chances of getting into the top 8 are extremely small, which means that in the preliminary playoffs, with a high probability, you will get to a strong club.

The new Champions League format? Indeed, it's challenging. Its like the World Cup, but every game is a final. Still, that is what makes it outstanding. Consider this: every single time underdogs now squarely face the big men. No more coasting through the group stage. This makes them stand up and change. Its sink or swim drives winners

Moreover, more games against elite teams mean that surprises are inevitable. One victory over a giant can start a momentum change everything. Its goal is establishing you belong there, not only about climbing to the top. So yes, it is more difficult. Still, it also seems more equitable. Everybody gets a shot; the greatest will surface. Thats what champions are made of

[LUCKMCFLY]

I don't think it has much of an impact on big teams with the new Champions League format. Big teams with the new format that has been agreed upon, of course they have prepared everything carefully.
Regarding the best performance is an obligation demanded by every team that wants to win the title, without thinking twice I agree about it.
Imagine a team as big as Real Madrid, Barcelona, ??Manchester City, Arsenal, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, PSG is not ready to face the new format, of course that is impossible.

I also don't think that the big teams are not ready for the new format in the Champions League, in fact they are the ones who are actually much more prepared to face it because big teams always move to find solutions from the start when there is something new that they have to face in a different season. And of all the teams you mentioned, I think they are quite ready to go through their season in the domestic league and also in the Champions League because these teams are still handled by coaches who have good experience in big competitions including the Champions League.

Yes. Various preparations have been made to face the tight competition including the new format of the Champions League. When they are injured, the reserves that will be played will not be different from the quality of the main players. This means that they are very ready and will try their best, especially the teams that I have mentioned. My concern actually lies with the newcomer teams like Bologna and the newcomer teams from the English Premier League.

Well it has been seen that one of the things that has had the most Impact is the fact of the new Format, many do not approve of it, everyone has a lot of things to say, but you just have to wait and see how this turns out, I will only say one thing , if there is more football I am happy  , I like the fact that there are more opportunities for more Teams and that alone I like, so you have to wait and See how this turns out, you can't please all the people in the world , there are things that must be accepted and faced, if in the UCL they changed some things it is Because they saw them necessary, also because they will bring in more money, more polish, all this influences, the great business Model.

[ginsan]

Leverkusen is not weak and they are still solid. Losing a friendly match is nothing and most big clubs don't care about the results because they are preparing on the real match starting soon. Leverkusen was beaten by Atalanta in the finals and that was because Atalanta is a different club amd are strong than Leverkusen that season.

Leverkusen will still maintain their performance but not to the extend of being unveeaten because it is hard to achieve such record back to back. However, they will be playing in the champion league where stronger clubs are. Alonso will try his best to see that his men go far in UCL.

Some Leverkusen players are linked with other teams this could also affect the squad it's just that we don't know which players have left so far, if it's not the main players then the squad will remain solid in my opinion.
A friendly match is not important, it won't be taken seriously even if you lose a lot of goals it's not a real match.

I'm curious to see how Leverkusen fare in the Champions League with the new format there's bound to be some differences from last season, and although they haven't lost before in the Bundesliga it won't necessarily be the same in the Champions League the challenge here is too much, but expect Xabi to do well tactically.

[Palakka]

I hope I understand the new format correctly. I think I agree that making the top 8 is really hard for an underdog team, but still not impossible.

I agree with you. It is still possible to see an underdog there. However I would expect only the ones with big Champions League experience. They would have the upper hand against others.

Porto is a good example for that. Maybe they don't have an amazing squad but they still benefit from their experience here. It would be thrilling to follow the teams that are in between 9th and 24th places fighting their way through last 16 as well.    There is no 2nd chance anymore like dropping to the Europa League and striving for a success there too. You are in the Champions League or out of all of these tournaments.

The new format of the Champions League next season means that each team must have a qualified squad, because of course the competition will be even tighter, especially as each team will be separated into each pot based on the clubs final position in the league and also the coefficient value next season, so it is inevitable that each team will get equal opponents since the semi-league phase started, we don't know for sure how much increased competition will occur in the Champions League next season, but if we look at the possibility of every change that occurs, of course it cannot be denied that we will see higher competition and intensity happened compared to last seasons Champions League.
 
At the moment we actually can't make a team a favorite in the Champions League because everything could happen, including the emergence of a non-seeded team in the round of 16 or 8 later, I personally agree with what you are saying now, because in my opinion every team will have the same opportunity when they are in the top 8 including teams like Leverkusen and Porto.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Leverkusen is not weak and they are still solid. Losing a friendly match is nothing and most big clubs don't care about the results because they are preparing on the real match starting soon. Leverkusen was beaten by Atalanta in the finals and that was because Atalanta is a different club amd are strong than Leverkusen that season.
Leverkusen will still maintain their performance but not to the extend of being unveeaten because it is hard to achieve such record back to back. However, they will be playing in the champion league where stronger clubs are. Alonso will try his best to see that his men go far in UCL.

Some Leverkusen players are linked with other teams this could also affect the squad it's just that we don't know which players have left so far, if it's not the main players then the squad will remain solid in my opinion.
A friendly match is not important, it won't be taken seriously even if you lose a lot of goals it's not a real match.
I'm curious to see how Leverkusen fare in the Champions League with the new format there's bound to be some differences from last season, and although they haven't lost before in the Bundesliga it won't necessarily be the same in the Champions League the challenge here is too much, but expect Xabi to do well tactically.

We still don't know how Leverkusen will perform in the Champions League. We know that the Leverkusen team played very well last season. Leverkusen's performance impressed us. The team was undefeated in the Bundesliga. In the Europa League, the Leverkusen team was unfortunately only defeated in the final match. Leverkusen fans have had a fantastic season.

But it is very difficult to perform well in the Champions League. Because here every team has been able to qualify for Champions League by proving their ability. So it is very difficult for Leverkusen to perform well in the Champions League. At the same time, continuing to perform well in the Champions League and Bundesliga is an even tougher task.

There is no doubt that Xabi Alonso is a very talented coach. However, Leverkusen's squad still has a lot of weaknesses. Even if they can dominate the Bundesliga, Leverkusen may not perform well in the Champions League. I think Leverkusen will be eliminated from the round of 16 in the Champions League.

[lizarder]

Some Leverkusen players are linked with other teams this could also affect the squad it's just that we don't know which players have left so far, if it's not the main players then the squad will remain solid in my opinion.
A friendly match is not important, it won't be taken seriously even if you lose a lot of goals it's not a real match.

I'm curious to see how Leverkusen fare in the Champions League with the new format there's bound to be some differences from last season, and although they haven't lost before in the Bundesliga it won't necessarily be the same in the Champions League the challenge here is too much, but expect Xabi to do well tactically.

There are at least five names who are linked with leaving Leverkusen this season, although there is no certainty yet, so if these five or several players leave, it is certain that Leverkusen's strength will decline because teamwork will no longer work like last season. Friendly matches do not guarantee true strength, but they have their own value regarding the quality of players in facing the next competition.

The Champions League is different because it has quite tight competition and maybe Leverkusen will experience a different season. Even though last season they played so well that they went unbeaten in the Bundesliga, it's not certain that playing matches in the Champions League will be the same, especially when several key players left this season's squad.

[mv1986]

I hope I understand the new format correctly. I think I agree that making the top 8 is really hard for an underdog team, but still not impossible.

I agree with you. It is still possible to see an underdog there. However I would expect only the ones with big Champions League experience. They would have the upper hand against others.

Porto is a good example for that. Maybe they don't have an amazing squad but they still benefit from their experience here. It would be thrilling to follow the teams that are in between 9th and 24th places fighting their way through last 16 as well.    There is no 2nd chance anymore like dropping to the Europa League and striving for a success there too. You are in the Champions League or out of all of these tournaments.

I doubt it has all to do with experience. It does play a role, but in situations where David meets Goliath, the experience advantage is usually with Goliath anyway. It's rather the fact itself that someone steps up as an underdog and plays knowing there is nothing to lose. That is when the big teams sometimes have issues to handle the heat created by those underdogs.

Real Madrid quite frequently gets into trouble against outsiders. They usually somehow fix it eventually, but it probably has to do with the fact that Real Madrid often times underestimates the level of resistance from those underdog teams. See RB Leipzig and Union Berlin last season.

[baeva]

Leverkusen is not as strong as last season, seeing them humiliated by Arsenal in a friendly match proves that Xabi Alonso's concoction can be predicted by other coaches, proving that we should not look too much at last season, there must be a difference in play and a decline in performance, this will affect them in the Bundesliga and will be an opportunity for Bayern Munich,
in this case Xabi Alonso must immediately improve the mentality of his players, instill high confidence so that his team becomes solid and consistent again

I don't really favor this team in the UEFA Champions League, but I want to see if Leverkusen will be the difference and surprise us all. that is the answer that Leverkusen must prove and I look forward to it.

It just a friendly match so don't take it seriously because i am sure Xabi Alonso have already to analyzed and evaluate this loses and during this summer actually Leverkusen didn't lost their key players because according to their transfer lists some of the players who leave is not Leverkusen main players so after seeing these conditions i think Leverkusen is still same just like last season because they are still solid

Leverkusen friendlies matches indeed don't run well because they were humiliated by Arsenal and draw against 3rd division team Rot-Weiss Essen but don't mean they will be automatically very weak next season because champion league even hasn't starting yet so i think people shouldn't be underestimate them

Last season before beated by Atalanta in Europa League Leverkusen is very superiour and next season they will playing at champion league with new format and obviously they will fight against strong teams in this competition so this is the real test for Leverkusen consistency whether they can able to advances to next round or not

Of course Xabi Alonso evaluates all of that so that in the future it can be better, not losing key players before or last season does not rule out the possibility of a decline in performance. sometimes there are ups and downs especially if a team that has never lost a match gets a defeat for the first time, this will lower the player's mentality, we see the example of the defeat from Atalanta, this proves that there is a decline in mentality so that from the friendly match that Leverkusen played poorly, therefore as I said Xabi Alonso must re-instill self-confidence and high mentality so that Leverkusen becomes solid again.

well in the champions league I have no doubts saying that Leverkusen will have difficulty competing and are not a superior team but I hope there is a surprise shown.

What happened to the team last season happens once in a dozen years, so I wouldn't expect the same stunning results from this team this season. No matter how much they try to raise their mentality, if they can't keep up the level - it will be useless. I think it's very important for them to prove themselves in the champions league next season

[Weawant]

Some Leverkusen players are linked with other teams this could also affect the squad it's just that we don't know which players have left so far, if it's not the main players then the squad will remain solid in my opinion.
A friendly match is not important, it won't be taken seriously even if you lose a lot of goals it's not a real match.

I'm curious to see how Leverkusen fare in the Champions League with the new format there's bound to be some differences from last season, and although they haven't lost before in the Bundesliga it won't necessarily be the same in the Champions League the challenge here is too much, but expect Xabi to do well tactically.

I have not heard of Leverkusen players really been linked to any team recently neither have I seen in the transfer market Leverkusen trying to make moves, more likely, it appears they are keen on maintaining their squad and building better results than they have had long before now, it will be hard to reciprocate the results they had last season especially that which has to do with unbeaten in the champion's league,I know such a very competitive league with a new long stretch will take a whole lot to stay unbeaten but then in football an open mind remains the best approach.

[imamusma]

Some Leverkusen players are linked with other teams this could also affect the squad it's just that we don't know which players have left so far, if it's not the main players then the squad will remain solid in my opinion.
A friendly match is not important, it won't be taken seriously even if you lose a lot of goals it's not a real match.

I'm curious to see how Leverkusen fare in the Champions League with the new format there's bound to be some differences from last season, and although they haven't lost before in the Bundesliga it won't necessarily be the same in the Champions League the challenge here is too much, but expect Xabi to do well tactically.

I have not heard of Leverkusen players really been linked to any team recently neither have I seen in the transfer market Leverkusen trying to make moves, more likely, it appears they are keen on maintaining their squad and building better results than they have had long before now, it will be hard to reciprocate the results they had last season especially that which has to do with unbeaten in the champion's league,I know such a very competitive league with a new long stretch will take a whole lot to stay unbeaten but then in football an open mind remains the best approach.

Leverkusen will actually face very heavy pressure after recording impressive results last season, Xabi Alonso and all his players will bear the burden of fans expectations, that is their main challenge next season. This means that Leverkusen must try to repeat the same performance as last season, a journey that I think is a little impossible to repeat. However, Leverkusen chances remain open, especially if the management succeeds in retaining important players so that they don't leave. Meanwhile, we will really see the tactical quality of Xabi Alonso next season, where they have the potential to face a number of elite clubs in the Champions League. This is an opportunity to prove his managerial quality, that their success last season was not just luck. We realize that everything is different in the Champions League, the atmosphere is really scary for less experienced teams.

[bering]

The UEFA Champions League comes first because it's consider important and priority for every club that have qualified for anticipation in the tournament. On the other hand, no matter the new formats, I'm just curious about the new standards it will elevates for the presence of elite and average clubs. Perhaps we're aware regarding the status of these clubs and knows their capacity when it comes to major tournaments.

Average clubs will come out to be more positive towards winning major titles and they always ensure to come prepared. While the elite clubs will either find easy or rough to coupled with the current formats of the UEFA Champions League. It's definitely going to be competitive for all categories and it's mainly for the best club.

The new format is going to have its own impact on every one and this isn't something to negotiate because it's going to be a new one to everyone as no one has participated in tournament with the new format before now, both the elites and the smaller teams struggling their way around a chance at the competition are going to have their fair share of the adaptation that they will need to do with the new format. The only advantage the elite teams will continually have will be in the fact that they have got a good depth and their form are mostly intact so they may have to make only but very few adjustments.

The new format will be applying next season so we still don't know who will get the advantages from this format but the effect from new format is most of participant teams on league phase is they should do more matches from 6 matches to 8 matches and the negative effect of this condition is to the players itself because more matches means potentially will be open up the opportunities for injury to the players

Indeed by increasing the number of participants from 32 teams to 36 teams it can makes the fans can watching more matches besides that this also open the opportunities to the teams who came from the league with low rank of UEFA to playing at this competition and this is also UEFA's goal why they decided to change the format of the champions league

[uchegod-21]

Some Leverkusen players are linked with other teams this could also affect the squad it's just that we don't know which players have left so far, if it's not the main players then the squad will remain solid in my opinion.
A friendly match is not important, it won't be taken seriously even if you lose a lot of goals it's not a real match.

I'm curious to see how Leverkusen fare in the Champions League with the new format there's bound to be some differences from last season, and although they haven't lost before in the Bundesliga it won't necessarily be the same in the Champions League the challenge here is too much, but expect Xabi to do well tactically.

I have not heard of Leverkusen players really been linked to any team recently neither have I seen in the transfer market Leverkusen trying to make moves, more likely, it appears they are keen on maintaining their squad and building better results than they have had long before now, it will be hard to reciprocate the results they had last season especially that which has to do with unbeaten in the champion's league,I know such a very competitive league with a new long stretch will take a whole lot to stay unbeaten but then in football an open mind remains the best approach.

I do not actually think that it is wise for Bayern leverkusen to shuffle their squad. If there is anything necessary for them to do is to strengthen the squad instead and wait for a better performance this season. For Xavi Alonso not to leave the team last season gave the players the conviction to remain in the club. The only players that will desire to leave are the ones that are not getting enough playing time in the squad. But anyone who is a major part of their last season's success, wouldn't plan to leave the team at this time.
Well, this will not prevent offers for coming to good players, it's now left for the team and the concerned players to deal with it.