As a player, he has collected endless titles. With Spain’s national team, Liverpool FC, Real Madrid and FC Bayern Munich. On Saturday, Xabi Alonso will receive his first trophy as a coach. And although he is no stranger to the “salad bowl”, it will be a special moment for Leverkusen’s guarantor of success
Although his decisions are characterized by foresight, Xabi Alonso tirelessly preaches focusing on the next game. The success of this approach and his outstanding work is reflected in Bayer 04’s record this season.
The works club has been German champions for some time now. And further titles await in the Europa League and the DFB Cup. Also because Bayer has not lost any of its 50 competitive matches this season
50 games without defeat – a record for a team from Europe’s top five leagues that Bayer continues to extend. 50 games without defeat, which the fans celebrated with golden balloons in the shape of a 50 during the 5:0 win in Bochum.
And it is in keeping with Xabi Alonso’s approach of always looking ahead to the next game that he did not immediately recognize the significance of this Golden 50. “I saw it and asked myself: Why?”, the 42-year-old says with a smile.
“That’s never happened before “
Three more games without defeat are to follow. “We still have three games left in the Bundesliga, Europa League and cup. We can achieve a very nice goal next Saturday. It would be great if we could win the championship trophy without losing,” said the coach, setting the first goal, “that’s never happened before.” Not even record champions Bayern Munich have ever managed that.
After two days off, Xabi Alonso will prepare his professionals for the final spurt. “Then we have eleven days to go full throttle, to fight, to try everything,” he says. The aim is to win three titles at the end
The World and European champion attaches particular importance to the one title he has already secured, his first as a coach. Even though he already won the trophy as a professional with FC Bayern Munich. “I experienced it as a player, but winning it as a coach in Leverkusen will be very special,” explains the Spaniard, who can look back on 17 trophies won as a professional, and combines this with a big compliment to his team.
“I’m very proud of the players. They have been very focused all season to experience this moment. It’s very special. It’s good for me too, of course,” says Xabi Alonso, “but I’m proud of the team, of the young players who had this chance for the first time. And hopefully they’ll have a long career so that it’s not the last time.” As their coach, he will certainly do everything he can next season to ensure that this wish is quickly fulfilled.
