Leverkusen's quest for silverware continues as they prepare to face Stuttgart in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter.

The Bundesliga landscape is buzzing with pre-season activity, and Leverkusen are ramping up their preparations. Last season, they made history by clinching their first Bundesliga title without suffering a single defeat, and they added the DFB Cup to their haul.

Matching these lofty standards will be a formidable task, but coach Xabi Alonso is confident that his squad possesses the requisite determination and drive.

"It's my responsibility to keep that hunger alive within the team," Alonso stated in a recent interview. "We need to feel the competition and not dwell too much on our past achievements. The players have expressed their desire to continue pushing forward.

"We're aiming to develop further and have a successful season, but it all starts with a strong beginning."

The Supercup, scheduled for August 17 at the BayArena, represents an opportunity for Leverkusen to secure their third trophy in quick succession. Facing last season's Bundesliga runners-up Stuttgart, the match will offer both teams a glimpse of what to expect in the upcoming campaign.

Alonso, however, remains focused on the immediate task rather than discussing the possibility of defending their Bundesliga title.

"I don't see much value in speculating about what will happen in May," the 42-year-old Spaniard remarked. "Our focus is on August and making a strong start. Last season's level of performance may not be sufficient; we need to continue evolving and improving."

Leverkusen's squad has seen some key additions over the summer. French forward Martin Terrier has arrived from Rennes, while Girona's Aleix Garcia and France Under-21 defender Jeanuel Belocian have also joined. These new signings will integrate into a team already brimming with talent, including last season's Bundesliga Player of the Season, Florian Wirtz.

Wirtz, who impressed with 23 goal involvements in 32 league appearances and reached the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals with Germany, is excited for the new season. "The energy on the pitch during pre-season is palpable," Wirtz noted. "Everyone is eager to prove their worth, which is crucial for a team's success. I'm committed to showing professionalism and a positive attitude both on and off the pitch."

As the new Bundesliga season approaches, Leverkusen will kick off their campaign against Borussia Monchengladbach on August 23.

Wirtz, reflecting on the previous season's successes, expressed his enthusiasm for the future. "I couldn't wait to return to the team and get back to playing. Our achievements last season have only strengthened our bonds, and I've missed the team. We'll use our past success as a foundation but strive to keep improving.

"I'm confident that our coaching staff has been working on some exciting new strategies over the summer."

With the Supercup on the horizon and a new season just around the corner, Bayer Leverkusen are set to make another statement in their pursuit of footballing excellence.

Leverkusen fully focused on upcoming Supercup clash with Stuttgart