Bayer Leverkusen's season under new coach Carles Martinez has been a story of sharp contrasts. After a shocking 2-3 home defeat to promoted Elversberg on the opening day, the Werkself responded with a commanding 4-0 victory over Union Berlin at the BayArena on September 5, a result that steadied nerves but left the club sitting eighth in the Bundesliga with three points from two games.

The squad rebuild that preceded the season continues to draw scrutiny. The departures of Piero Hincapie, Alejandro Grimaldo, and Exequiel Palacios have visibly altered the team's identity, and former Germany international Toni Kroos publicly questioned the club's transfer strategy, describing it as a "strange transfer window" and doubting Leverkusen can finish in the top five. The handling of Robert Andrich, who was stripped of the captaincy before a late reversal, drew particular criticism.

Further squad uncertainty surrounds Jonas Hofmann, who has been left out of the Europa League squad and is reportedly in contact with Saudi club Al-Shabab, whose transfer window remains open until October 12. Meanwhile, Malik Tillman, who rejected a 45-million-euro move to Brighton, is being given a fresh opportunity by Martinez after a difficult first season at the club.

Leverkusen travel to Augsburg on September 12, a fixture that carries real weight. Back-to-back wins would bring momentum and calm; another stumble would deepen questions about where this transitional side is heading.