Alonso taking Leverkusen back to happiness

BERLIN

April 14 (Xinhua)

By Oliver Trust

It is a surprise that Bayer Leverkusen has emerged as one of the teams competing for UEFA Champions League qualification spots in the Bundesliga this season.

The team's recent success seems strongly connected to a newcomer.

Despite his resonant name as a player, Xabi Alonso is a coaching beginner despite having gained experience with Real Madrid's under-14 side and Real Sociedad's B-team.

Understandable doubts accompanied the 41-year-old Spaniard despite his brilliant career as a player, being capped 114 times and winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, as well as numerous Champions League titles with Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Alonso might have surprised many, making his way after taking over a Leverkusen side with only five points after eight matches.

20 league games later, Leverkusen has had cause to adjust their season's goals.

Ahead of the decisive weekend encounter against Wolfsburg, Leverkusen has snuck upwards and come within reach of the promised land.

Alonso has managed to create a robust frame for his once-insecure side counting on the support of genius midfielder Florian Wirtz.

The 19-year-old is regarded as one of Germany's most promising talents, not only for his club but also for national team coach Hansi Flick on the road to the Euro 2024.

Right on time, Wirtz seems to have overcome the knee injury he suffered in 2022 and having sidelined him for several months.

Alonso has not only triggered team spirit, but also worked on the team's wavering defense before turning his head to unleash the team's offensive potential.

"All of a sudden, we have realistic goals. We are aware we can get to something after the bumpy season start," said goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky.

The keeper added that "young players and all others listen to Xabi Alonso as he was one of football's superstars."

Like the Finland international, the entire side seems in an optimistic and determined mood.

"In every training session, our coach is proving he is still able to play perfect football," Hradecky said, adding that "If we have a shortage in midfield, he can easily slip into our shirt and help."

Aside from the upswing in the national league, doors are open to reaching the semis in the UEFA Europa League as Leverkusen is the last remaining German side among the last eight.

The new coach is demanding full focus "as we need to keep both feet on the ground. Everything is possible, we can get far up, which is great, but we at the same time can end up much lower."

As it seems, Alonso is on his way to becoming a successful coach after having left his footprints as a top-class player.

COURTESY: Xinhua

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