Xabi Alonso offered a blunt assessment of Bayer Leverkusen's performance after the Bundesliga champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Bochum

Bayer Leverkusen is struggling to reach the high standards it set for itself last season. Xabi Alonso’s team has already dropped points in five of its nine Bundesliga games, while Tuesday’s 4-0 loss at Liverpool in the Champions League was already its second defeat of the season.

A hat trick from Luis Diaz and a goal from Cody Gakpo saw Liverpool beat German champion Bayer Leverkusen 4-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday and further endear Slot to the Merseyside club's fans, who joyously sang his name at the end.