Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso expressed his satisfaction following his team’s 0-0 stalemate against Bayern Munich on Saturday. Despite the result not significantly shifting the title race, Alonso praised his players for executing his game plan effectively.
Leverkusen’s Tactical Execution
Alonso highlighted how well his squad followed his tactical approach, particularly in controlling possession. “We spent most of the game in their half,” he told Sky Germany. “That’s not easy to do against Bayern.” The Spanish coach acknowledged that the outcome was not ideal in terms of the league standings, but he remained focused on his team’s strong performance.
Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich have both suffered just one Bundesliga defeat this season. However, the league leaders’ advantage over the reigning champions stems from multiple draws. Alonso alluded to frustrating results earlier in the campaign, mentioning dropped points against Holstein Kiel, Werder Bremen, Bochum, and Wolfsburg.
Missed Chances in the Title Race
While the draw against Bayern kept Leverkusen in a strong position, Alonso admitted that their title challenge has been impacted by previous matches. “Tonight wasn’t the reason for the standings,” he remarked. “It’s because of some frustrating draws we’ve had.” He emphasized that every player delivered a high-level performance in the match.
When asked whether a traditional center-forward like Patrik Schick or Victor Boniface could have changed the game, Alonso responded with uncertainty. “Maybe, but we’ll never know,” he said.
Xhaka: “We Deserve Respect”
Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka echoed Alonso’s sentiments, expressing pride in the team’s display. “That was an incredible effort,” Xhaka told Sky. “I don’t even recall Bayern having a shot on target. Playing like that against them, showing such mentality and commitment, deserves a lot of recognition.”
The Swiss international downplayed discussions about the league table, insisting that Leverkusen’s focus remains on maintaining their performances rather than fixating on their points gap. “We weren’t focused on it last year, and we aren’t now,” he stated. “Whether we are five, eight, or eleven points behind Bayern, we can be proud if we keep playing like this.”
Looking ahead, Alonso kept a long-term perspective on the title race. “The season isn’t over,” he stated in his post-match press conference. “We’ll talk about April when April comes.”
