Xabi Alonso Looks Ahead to ‘Crucial Clash’ as Leverkusen Travels to Frankfurt in Bundesliga Showdown

With just eight points separating Bayer Leverkusen from Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga standings, manager Xabi Alonso has acknowledged that his team is preparing for a challenging encounter as they aim to reduce the gap to leaders Bayern Munich ahead of Saturday’s clash.

Currently sitting in second place, Leverkusen, the defending Bundesliga champions, trail Bayern by eight points following 23 matches, while Frankfurt holds the third position.

Despite Leverkusen’s impressive record of only one loss in the Bundesliga this season, they will carry confidence into the match after securing a 2-1 victory against Frankfurt at home in October. Meanwhile, Toppmoller’s team will be eager to recover from a heavy 4-0 defeat against Bayern last week as they strive for a place in next season’s Champions League.

“Frankfurt possess significant quality both as a team and individually. We anticipate a tough contest against a very formidable opponent,” Alonso commented to reporters on Friday.

“As the third-placed team, Frankfurt are strong on their home turf. I’m expecting an excellent match. They are proficient in possession and dangerous on the counter-attack, and they switch effectively between a back three and a back four.

“We must have a clear game plan while also being ready to adapt as needed.”

Leverkusen will be missing centre backs Piero Hincapie and Jeanuel Belocian, along with forward Martin Terrier for the upcoming match.

However, Alonso, who also has one eye on the upcoming Champions League round of 16 first leg against Bayern at the Allianz Arena, insisted that his team will give it their all.

“We always give maximum effort. In every match. The best team will take the field tomorrow, as is our custom,” the Spaniard affirmed.