Xabi Alonso wants to enjoy Bayer Leverkusen’s ‘dream season’

BERLIN – Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso admitted he needed time for the reality of his team’s “dream season” to sink in, after lifting the German Cup on May 25 to claim the domestic double.

Midfielder Granit Xhaka scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over second-tier Kaiserslautern, with Leverkusen down to 10 men for more than half the match.

Alonso’s first full season managing at the top level finished with a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double, a European final and a stunning record of just one defeat in 53 games.

Leverkusen’s only loss came in the Europa League title-decider on May 22 against Serie A side Atalanta, but they swiftly rebounded in dogged fashion against Kaiserslautern.

“I need a bit more time to grasp it. It was a dream season. To be able to celebrate here is incredible – we need to enjoy it,” Alonso told Germany’s ARD network.

“In the end, to win like that (with a man down) meant we showed spirit, we fought for the fans for the club. It is huge success to win the double. We will remember this in the future.”

The coach, who rejected reported interest from his former teams Liverpool and Bayern Munich to stay at Leverkusen next season, was serenaded with chants of “Xabi Alonso” by delirious fans whose club had won only two major trophies before this season.

“Of course I’m happy but I’m especially proud of the players. The double is totally deserved,” the Spaniard added.

The victory tested the 42-year-old as he rarely has been this season, with Leverkusen reduced to 10 men late in the first half after centre-back Odilon Kossounou’s second yellow.

Pictured cradling his head in his hands on the bench moments after, he took off striker Patrik Schick and winger Jonas Hofmann while his team sat deeper and attacked on the counter.

Despite their one-man advantage, Kaiserslautern were kept in check by the German champions, with few clear-cut chances in the second half.

“We quickly analysed who we can change,” Alonso said.

“We played well and created some good chances, but what’s most important was the belief of the team. They were ready to battle with 10 players and get it done and I am proud of that.”

He also won praise from his opposing coach Friedhelm Funkel, who was managing his last game before retiring.

“To go through the Bundesliga season unbeaten, it’s madness. That he could flick that switch in his first year is incredible. I think he’ll win many, many titles,” the 70-year-old said.

Leverkusen join Bayern, Borussia Dortmund, Werder Bremen, Cologne and Schalke in winning the German double.

Alonso, a two-time Champions League winner as a player, will return to Europe’s elite club competition with Leverkusen next season, when the final is to take place at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

“I’m not thinking about next season,” the coach laughed. “Holiday, holiday. Maybe after a week (I’ll think about it), but we’re going to enjoy and celebrate this.” REUTERS, AFP