In the 2023/2024 season, Leverkusen had by far the best defence in German football, conceding just 24 goals in 34 Bundesliga games. But this season, Leverkusen's defensive level seems to have plummeted, much to the dismay of captain Xhaka.

In an interview with Sky Sports, Xhaka sounded the alarm about the large number of goals conceded: "If you look at the number of goals we conceded throughout last season and compare it to this season, you will find that we have conceded half of the goals we conceded last season. This shouldn't happen to us so easily."

In fact, Leverkusen has conceded nine goals after four Bundesliga games. No team in the top half of the standings has conceded more goals than the Bundesliga defending champions. So far, only Holstein Kiel (13 goals), Hoffenheim (11) and Augsburg (10) have conceded worse goals than Leverkusen.

Ahead of Saturday night's top-flight clash in Munich, the Swiss demanded of himself and his players: "We know we have to improve in this area and hopefully we will improve soon."

As for the reasons for many errors in the defensive shape, Xhaka said: "We are conceding the ball too easily now and not bringing the basics to the pitch. At this level you are punished immediately. You saw it against Wolfsburg and at home against Leipzig as well. Two home games and six goals conceded? It shouldn't happen to us and we have to work on it."