Xabi Alonso on Bayer Leverkusen’s game against Bayern Munich: “We need an almost perfect performance to take something”

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·27 September 2024

Xabi Alonso on Bayer Leverkusen’s game against Bayern Munich: “We need an almost perfect performance to take something”

Speaking at his press conference ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s big game against Bayern Munich on Saturday (via @iMiaSanMia), head coach Xabi Alonso has given his thoughts on the heavyweight clash.

On the game against Bayern, Alonso said:

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“It’s a big game. Going to the Allianz Arena is probably the toughest game of the Bundesliga season. But we’re looking forward to it. We want to play well and be competitive. We know we need an almost perfect performance to take something out of the Allianz Arena. We’re ready for that”

Under new head coach Vincent Kompany, Bayern seem to play with more attacking freedom and fluidity compared to his predecessor Thomas Tuchel. Alonso also commented on the differences in the two seasons:

“They’re having a very good start to the season. They’re playing with a lot of energy and quality. The influence of Vincent Kompany has been good so far. It’s a big challenge for us tomorrow. We need a lot of concentration for 90 minutes and to be ready for all situations”

Alonso also gave an update on the status of his squad ahead of the game (via @bayer04Xtra):

“All players are available. There are no injured players. Pala (Exequiel Palacios) is ready to start.”

kicker has previously reported that Robert Andrich will start next to Granit Xhaka tomorrow as Leverkusen have struggled defensively in their opening games of the season and against a free-scoring Bayern side, they will need to be more solid at the back if they want to come away from Munich with a result.

Finally, Jonathan Tah has heavily been linked with a move to Bayern in the summer and has already announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season, on whether the centre-back will be focused as he faces his potential future employers, Alonso said:

“I know and I trust that Jona is fully focused on playing well tomorrow, on helping the team as the defensive boss and defending well over the course of the whole game, it’s not a worry for me.”

GGFN | Jack Meenan