Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso stated conserving a cool head can be the key to creating his aspect’s current dominance of Bayern Munich depend within the Champions League final 16.
Managing within the prime flight for only a second full season, Alonso could also be inexperienced in teaching phrases, however the Spaniard is aware of a factor or two about Champions League success from his enjoying days.
Alonso received the Champions League with each Liverpool and Actual Madrid. Throughout a profession through which he additionally spent three seasons at Bayern, he reached the ultimate 3 times and the semi-finals on an additional six events.
On prime of his membership honours, Alonso additionally received two European Championships with Spain and the 2010 World Cup.
Below Alonso, who took over in October 2022, Leverkusen have by no means misplaced to Bayern, profitable three video games and drawing the opposite three.
However with this the primary assembly on the European stage — and with this season’s remaining in Munich — Alonso’s large match expertise might show essential for Leverkusen.
On Saturday, Bayer Leverkusen thumped Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1 to remain eight factors behind Bayern and maintain their slim hopes alive of defending their Bundesliga title.
Talking after the match, Alonso stated home dominance meant little when the Champions League anthem soars by way of the stadium audio system.
“It does not matter. The subsequent sport is at all times an important. It will likely be brutally tough for us and it will be an enormous problem.
“We’re in type. We wish to present once more we are able to convey the struggle to Bayern. However we additionally know the Champions League and Bundesliga are completely completely different.
“The Champions League is a little more emotional. Emotional management is most necessary.
“5 dangerous minutes, and also you’re gone.”
– ‘Cope with the dangerous moments’ –
Leverkusen’s finest has been excellent this season, however a failure to maintain their feelings in verify has already value Alonso’s aspect.
Away in opposition to Atletico Madrid, Leverkusen had been the higher aspect however misplaced after falling prey to Diego Simeone’s wily workforce.
A objective up at half-time and enjoying in opposition to 10 males, Leverkusen let their feelings get the higher of them, ending a person down themselves and conceding a Julian Alvarez winner within the ninetieth minute.
Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, revitalised after leaving Arsenal two years in the past for a return to Germany, stated stability can be the important thing.
“I believe we’re secure sufficient to upset Bayern,” stated Xhaka.
“Within the league, let’s examine the place issues are after 34 matchdays. However there’s positively rather a lot to be gained within the Champions League.”
Whereas Bayern are six-time European champions, Leverkusen’s finest efficiency within the competitors got here once they completed runners-up to Actual Madrid in 2002.
However they hope to compensate for a relative lack of European pedigree by drawing on the arrogance gleaned from previous encounters with Bayern throughout Alonso’s tenure.
“We all know one another very effectively and we have performed not too long ago,” stated Alonso.
“We have to try to cope with the dangerous moments we’d have, as a result of that is the Champions League, to undergo tough moments and never make many errors.
“We’re enjoying on the Allianz, then we play at house. It is Bayern, they’re the very best workforce in Germany.
“Not at all times the very best workforce wins, however we are going to see.”
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