Speaking at a media round table (through Bild), Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka spoke on why he moved from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen in addition to the future of colleague Jonathan Tah.

On his relocation from Arsenal to Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka stated:

“The move from Arsenal to Leverkusen was not a step back, but rather two steps forward.” The Swiss global then included: “I had exactly the feeling, during conversations with the coach and with Simon Rolfes, that something special can arise here in the next few years.”

Leverkusen heads into this season as Bundesliga and DFB Pokal holders, on their expectations for this season Xhaka stated:

“We want even more. Not only this year, but of course we want to play at the top in the coming years. We know that the pressure is now slightly higher than last year. This is also up to us. But of course we want to be able to handle the pressure well. For this, we, the experienced players, also need us to pull the young players with them. And not that you think everything is going by itself now.” Xhaka swears everybody in: “I feel like we have to do more than last year.”

After winning the double last season, Leverkusen have actually currently made actions to enhance their team depth including Aleix Farcia from Girona, Martin Terrier and Jeanuël Belocian both from Rennes. 

Finally, colleague, Jonathan Tah has actually been related to a relocate to Bayern Munich since late, however just recently it has actually appeared like the relocation will collapse as settlements in between Bayern and Leverkusen never ever truly removed. About the rumours surrounding the veteran Leverkusen main protector, Xhaka stated (through Sky Germany):

“Everyone knows that Bayern Munich is a very big club. The interest is an honour for Jonah. But he also knows how important he is to us. He seems very concentrated, focused and not as if his mind is somewhere else. Jonah knows that we are champions. Of course, there are always a few jokes in our team in situations like this, that’s for sure. But we really hope that he stays with us.”

Leverkusen begin their brand-new project on the 17th August when they host VfB Stuttgart in the DFL Super Cup. A week later on they then open the brand-new Bundesliga season away versus Borussia Mönchengladbach. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan