Henry Mask, 60, retired boxer, calls for the so-called Bavarian gene to be renamed. There is often talk of the “Bayern gene, of Bavarian blood,” said the Bayer 04 fan to the Sport 1 channel. In view of Leverkusen’s many victories at the very last second, talk of the Bayern gene is now obsolete. “This is now Leverkusen blood, it must now be called Leverkusen gene.”
Ralf Schmitz, 49, Leverkusen comedian, is of the opinion that beauty in Leverkusen can also be found beyond Xabi Alonso. “There are incredibly beautiful spots there,” Schmitz told the German Press Agency. It would be wonderful to take a walk along the Rhine, for example. Nevertheless, there is also a “rumor” in Leverkusen that the city only came in 100th place in a survey of the most beautiful cities in Germany, said Schmitz. “I also have to admit that there are places and outgrowths in Leverkusen that are definitely architectural – not human! – where you say: Heidewitzka, did that absolutely have to be?” But that’s exactly why people sometimes like cities like that all the more.
Karl Lauterbach, 61, local patriot, taunts towards the south. “Leverkusen has always been great – now also in football. Congratulations on the German championship,” said the Health Minister, whose constituency Leverkusen belongs to, when asked by the German Press Agency. Bavaria has been “overestimated for a long time”, but Bayer is still underestimated, said the SPD politician. He is happy for the citizens of Leverkusen, who have not had it easy in recent years, and hopes that Bayer 04 will permanently end the “Bayern Munich era”.
Leverkusen fans also share the Spanish sports press’s homage ideas.
(Photo: Ina Fassbender/AFP)
Xabi Alonso, 42, Spanish demigod, has been crowned the new German king in his home country. “Xabi I. of Germany. Bayer Leverkusen conquers the first Bundesliga title in its history. Borussia Dortmund had not managed to end the tyranny of FC Bayern – Bayer Leverkusen had,” wrote the Spanish sports newspaper Marca about the Leverkusen head coach. The specialist journal As added: “Don Xabi Alonso Olano. The Bundesliga has a new king.” And El Pais stated: “Bismarckstrasse was renamed Xabi-Alonso-Allee early on Sunday morning.”