Xabi Alonso is ‘why we are successful’, says Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah
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Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz in action with FC Augsburg's Tomas Koubek in Germany, on May 18.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LEVERKUSEN – Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah said coach Xabi Alonso is “why we are so successful” after becoming the first Bundesliga side to go through a season unbeaten.
Crowned champions for the first time in April, Leverkusen beat Augsburg 2-1 on May 18 in their 34th and final match of the league season.
Alonso’s men, who have a Europa League final against Atalanta and a German Cup final versus Kaiserslautern to come this week, have not lost in any competition this season – a run of 51 games.
“I’m proud to be part of this team. After all these years, I’m really happy to finally be able to achieve something here,” said centre back Tah, who joined Leverkusen in 2015.
“It feels extremely good. Xabi Alonso is an outstanding coach both tactically and personally. That’s why we are so successful”.
Former Real Madrid, Liverpool and Bayern Munich star Alonso, however, played down his role.
“Good players make good coaches. I have an outstanding squad here. We had a good atmosphere every day. I’m very grateful to be able to work with such players,” said the Spaniard.
Alonso said his side could celebrate into the night on May 18, but would need to refocus with a potential treble at stake.
“Today we’ll celebrate, but from Monday at the latest we’ll go full throttle for Wednesday. We have a clear plan,” he added.
Alonso, who joined Leverkusen in October 2022 with the club hovering near the relegation zone, ran to celebrate with the club’s ultras after the match, leaping into the stands.
“Everything was safe with the fans up there, I can still jump well,” the 42-year-old said.
“It’s not just the players, but also their families, the fans: we’re all connected. We deserve this title so much, we stayed undefeated. It’s a huge joy for us.”
The club hailed the achievement by giving themselves a new nickname on their social media channel – “Bayer 04 Neverlusen”.
Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini, however, said his side are not afraid of the all-conquering Leverkusen team he likened to a tank.
“They dominated the Bundesliga and are like a tank, but we are not afraid of them and will go there to play with courage and in good shape,” he told Sky Sport Italia on May 18.
“I also think every run has to end sometime. Atalanta can trouble Bayer Leverkusen too.”
The Bergamo club qualified for the Champions League with a 2-0 victory at Lecce on May 18, providing some consolation after losing the Italian Cup final to Juventus on May 15.
“As far as we are concerned, Champions League qualification is an extraordinary result and these lads are going beyond all expectations,” Gasperini said.
“I am truly happy with this and we need to dedicate it to everyone in Bergamo.” AFP, REUTERS
