Xabi Alonso on Bayer Leverkusen’s DFB Pokal tie against Bayern Munich: “The match is like a final.”

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·2 Desember 2024

Xabi Alonso on Bayer Leverkusen’s DFB Pokal tie against Bayern Munich: “The match is like a final.”

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Xabi Alonso spoke on Bayer Leverkusen’s tie against Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal round of 16.

On the game at the Allianz Arena, Alonso said:

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“The match is like a final. We are playing in the Allianz Arena, FC Bayern is the favorite. We have to play at our best level, then we have a chance.”

Later adding:

“The DFB Cup is always a special competition. It is a top match. FC Bayern is probably the biggest challenge you can face in the DFB Cup. We are going to Munich in a good mood.”

In the previous meeting between the teams, Leverkusen were dominated by Bayern in a 1-1 draw at the Allianz Arena earlier this season. However, now Leverkusen have had somewhat of a resurgence in their form and playing style, on how he will play against Bayern, Alonso said:

“I have a plan for the game and am still flexible to adapt it as the game progresses. With the return of Nordi, Jeanu and Martin we have more options again.”

The return of Martin Terrier will add more depth in the Leverkusen attack, which is something they are lacking following injuries to Amine Adli and Victor Boniface. Recent games have seen Patrik Schick and Floiran Wirtz play together up front, sometimes joined by Jeremie Frimpong.

Wirtz has by far been Leverkusen’s best player this season, as shown by his appearances off the bench against Union Berlin at the weekend where he practically won them the game. On the 21-year-old, Alonso said:

“Flo is a difference maker. We saw that in Berlin and also against Salzburg. He is constantly improving and tomorrow we expect the “best” Flo. But he alone cannot win the game. We need the whole team.”

GGFN | Jack Meenan