Coaching change at NK Celje raises questions for Bayer Leverkusen

The NK Celje live blog covers the first matchday of the Europa League group stage between Bayer Leverkusen and NK Celje. The German club arrives after a 2‑2 draw against FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga, where Lucas Vasquez still missed the chance conversion.

Coaching change at NK Celje

The Slovenian opponent NK Celje has recently changed the coach: Zoran Zeljkovic (46) took over on Tuesday, succeeding Vitor Campelos (51). The change is intended to alter the team’s style of play.

“We are not magicians,” emphasized Bayer coach Carles Martinez when asked about the coaching change at NK Celje. The Spaniard wanted to make clear that he does not expect any miracles from the opponent.

In Slovenia, Bayer 04 enjoys great respect; the team began its league campaign with a win, a draw, and a loss. This mixed record will now be tested in the European competition.

The portal sv24.si describes Leverkusen as “the most difficult opponent,” regardless of the opponent’s coaching change. The assessment underscores the high expectations for the German team.

Historically, one recalls the 0‑0 against NK Maribor on the final matchday of the 1999/2000 Champions League group stage, which eventually led to relegation to the UEFA Cup. This retrospective highlights how decisive individual encounters can be.

While Bayer Leverkusen hopes after a weak chance conversion in the Bundesliga, the fresh approach of NK Celje could bring new challenges. The encounter will show whether the coaching change is a good omen for the Bayer eleven.