NEUVILLE EYES BUNDESLIGA CROWN

The dimunitive front-man netted in the 2-1 win over Cologne at the weekend as Bayer went to the Bundesliga summit and the German international believes the team are now strong enough mentally to stay there.

"We have once again showed that we have the winning mentality this season," said Neuville.

Even Ottmar Hitzfeld, coach of Bayer's nemesis Bayern Munich, has seen a change in the attitude of their main title rivals.

"Leverkusen now win the games that look to be lost. The team has developed and can cope with the pressure better," said Hitzfeld.

Bayer have a reputation of crumbling when the pressure is really on, finishing runners-up behind Bayern three times in the 90s, (1996,98,99).

The 1999/00 season was particular painful for Leverkusen fans and players alike with the team losing 2-0 to Unterhaching on the final day of the campaign when a draw would have seen Bayer crowned champions. Munich triumphed 3-1 over Werder Bremen and won the Bundesliga title on goal difference.