Xabi Alonso’s Expectations for the Europa League Final
Xabi Alonso, the former Spain international and current Bayer Leverkusen manager, is leading his team with high standards and a hunger for success as they aim for an undefeated treble-winning season.
Preparation and Confidence
Alonso, who has overseen 51 matches without defeat, believes that the relentless preparation throughout the year will pay off in the Europa League final against Atalanta in Dublin. He expresses confidence in his team’s game and mentality, emphasizing the importance of their readiness and the right mindset.
Alonso states, “We have been preparing for these moments all year. Luckily I have a great team that are ready and we have shown that for the whole year.”
Motivation and Learning from Past Experiences
Reflecting on Leverkusen’s previous season where they were knocked out in the Europa League semi-final, Alonso sees it as a learning experience and a source of motivation to win the competition this time. He acknowledges the disappointment from last season and how it fueled their determination to succeed.
Alonso comments, “It is a huge motivation. We have already spoken about how things felt last season. We really harnessed this disappointment to our advantage to fight even more and to take that next step and we have done so.”
Respect and Confidence in Atalanta
Despite Atalanta’s strong performance in Serie A and their journey to the final, Gasperini holds respect for Alonso and Leverkusen. He acknowledges the challenges they will face but emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and solid organization in crucial moments.
Gasperini states, “We need to have a great deal of respect for them. They are a team who are very worthy of the records they have achieved. The statistics speak for themselves.”
