Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso backed his aspect to “do nice issues” earlier than Tuesday’s dwelling conflict with Inter Milan within the Champions League.
After a 4-0 loss in Liverpool, Alonso’s German champions have hit type, with 5 straight wins in all competitions, and sit sixth within the 36-team European desk.
Reigning Italian champions Inter, nonetheless, are but to lose in Europe this season and are second within the standings with 13 factors from 5 video games.
Because the begin of final season, Leverkusen have performed 75 video games and misplaced simply three, with 57 wins.
Requested concerning the constructive run, Alonso instructed reporters: “It is higher to not say it too loud.”
“There was a improvement within the membership, not solely within the play however within the mentality of everybody. We need to play every recreation to win, even tomorrow towards a prime, prime aspect like Inter,” he continued.
“We’re on the best way to struggle for giant issues. Our purpose is to qualify within the first eight.
“I am actually joyful that the squad shares this sense that we are able to do nice issues.”
“Tomorrow, it is a massive one.”
Leverkusen obtained a lift with information that striker Patrik Schick would return for the sport from a calf damage which pressured him off the sphere in final Tuesday’s German Cup win over Bayern Munich.
With long-term accidents to forwards Amine Adli and Victor Boniface, Schick is Alonso’s final remaining recognised striker.
“He feels higher. We’ll see tomorrow whether or not he is prepared for the beginning XI or comes on within the second half.”
Inter Milan coach Simone Inzaghi praised Tuesday’s opponents, calling the journey to Leverkusen “an excellent problem.”
“We all know Bayer Leverkusen very properly, a technical crew that performs superb soccer, that places you beneath stress, is properly organised, and assaults you as quickly as they lose the ball,” Inzaghi instructed reporters.
“They’ve been top-of-the-line groups in Europe that, over the past 16 months, has solely misplaced three matches and we have now solely had two and a half days to arrange for this nice problem.”
Inter are lacking Denzel Dumfries, who has the flu, and defenders Francesco Acerbi and Benjamin Pavard.
“It makes issues somewhat difficult, however we’re calm.”
dwi/pb