Xabi Alonso explains Leverkusen strengths against a ‘great’ Milan team | OneFootball

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has highlighted three of his Bayer Leverkusen players to watch in Tuesday night’s Champions League match against Milan, who he feels are a ‘great’ team under Paulo Fonseca.

Leverkusen-Milan kicks off at 20.00 BST.

Speaking to Sky Sport before kick-off, Alonso explained how he wants his players to approach their test at home against Fonseca’s Rossoneri side. He feels that it will be a completely different game to those that Leverkusen have experienced in the Bundesliga so far.

What Xabi Alonso said about Milan before Leverkusen test in Champions League

“We want to play with our heads, an intelligent game. The pace against an Italian team is different compared to German sides. You have to be mature and intelligent and play the ball well. In the Champions League you have to fight and compete against a great Milan, so it will be a difficult match.

Alonso went on to explain that his current back three system gets the most out of his players, even if it is a system that was unfamiliar to him as a player.

He also named three of his Leverkusen players who benefit the most from the 3-4-2-1 shape.

“I have never played with three central defenders, almost never, However, with the qualities that we have, it’s the system that fits us best. We have two wing-backs with great potential, Frimpong and Grimaldo, who can create. Hincapie comes out of the back three very well.

“I adapt to the players we have available, then it depends on the moments and the specific games. We have worked a lot on our principles, we are very clear.”