Bayer Leverkusen’s manager, Xabi Alonso, emphasised that maintaining composure will be vital for his side to harness their recent supremacy over Bayern Munich as they head into the Champions League last 16.
Although this is just Alonso’s second full season at the helm, his lack of coaching experience is balanced by his extensive knowledge of Champions League glory from his time as a player.
The former midfielder clinched the Champions League trophy with both Liverpool and Real Madrid, reaching the final three times and the semi-finals on six other occasions during his notable career, which also included a spell at Bayern.
In addition to his club achievements, Alonso secured two European Championships and the 2010 World Cup with the Spanish national team.
Since stepping in as coach in October 2022, Alonso has yet to suffer a defeat against Bayern, recording three wins and three draws.
However, with this being their first clash on the European stage and the final set to take place in Munich, Alonso’s vast experience in key matches could be instrumental for Leverkusen.
On Saturday, Bayer Leverkusen convincingly defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 4-1, remaining eight points adrift of Bayern and keeping alive their slim hopes of reclaiming the Bundesliga title.
Following the match, Alonso stated that being dominant in the domestic league holds little weight when the Champions League anthem echoes through the stadium.
“It doesn’t matter. The next match is always the most crucial. It will be incredibly challenging for us,” he asserted.
“We are in good form, and we aim to demonstrate once more that we can compete with Bayern. But we realise the Champions League and Bundesliga are completely different beasts.
“The Champions League carries a higher emotional weight. Controlling our emotions will be paramount.”
“A mere five minutes of poor performance, and it could cost us dear.”
‘Manage the difficult times’
Leverkusen has showcased remarkable quality this season; however, their struggles to manage emotions have already led to setbacks under Alonso’s management.
During an away match against Atletico Madrid, Leverkusen were the superior team yet succumbed to defeat after falling victim to Diego Simeone’s astute tactics.
Leading at half-time and facing a ten-man opposition, Leverkusen let their emotions take control, ending the match with a dismissal of their own and conceding a late winner from Julian Alvarez.
Midfielder Granit Xhaka, who has rejuvenated his career since returning to Germany two years ago after leaving Arsenal, believes that maintaining stability is key.
“I believe we are steady enough to surprise Bayern,” Xhaka commented.
“In the league, we’ll see where we stand after 34 matchdays. However, we certainly have a lot to strive for in the Champions League.”
While Bayern boasts six European titles, Leverkusen’s best run in the competition saw them finish as runners-up to Real Madrid in 2002.
They aim to offset a lack of extensive European history by leveraging the confidence gained from their recent encounters with Bayern under Alonso.
“We know each other well and have faced each other recently,” remarked Alonso.
“We must cope with any challenging moments we encounter, as that’s the essence of the Champions League: navigating through tough phases while minimising our mistakes.
“We’ll be playing at the Allianz before hosting them at home. It’s Bayern; they are the top team in Germany.
“However, the best team doesn’t always come out on top, so we’ll see how it unfolds.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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