Europe League
Before a possible championship: Alonso’s focus on West Ham
Wants to win the triple with Bayer: Xabi Alonso. photo
© Roberto Pfeil/dpa
Leverkusen can become champions this weekend. But coach Alonso doesn’t talk about it. He initially has a different goal. He has already revealed a personality for the Europa League.
Bayer Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso sees his team in the quarter-finals Europa League against West Ham United not distracted by the historic title opportunity in the Bundesliga. “To be honest, we didn’t talk about Friday, Saturday or Sunday. It was just about tomorrow and West Ham in the Europa League. After that we have enough time for the Bundesliga,” said the 42-year-old.
Bayer 04 welcomes the English team to the first leg in Leverkusen on Thursday (9 p.m./RTL). At the weekend, the Rhinelanders can complete their first German championship in the club’s history.
“We are in the quarter-finals. It is a great opportunity to advance in this competition. That is a big goal of ours,” emphasized Alonso, referring to the previous international appearance.
Last season, Leverkusen failed in the round of the best four teams in the Europa League to AS Roma. “We still have the memory of the semi-final in Rome. We want to achieve that again,” said Alonso. “It’s the first step, but it’s an important step tomorrow,” he also said and announced: “We are ready.”
The Basque coach doesn’t have much to worry about in terms of personnel and has enough players available. Alonso has already announced that, as in almost all Europa League games so far this season, Matej Kovar and not regular keeper and captain Lukas Hradecky will be in goal.