In a highly anticipated Europa League semi-final second leg, Bayer Leverkusen’s manager, Xabi Alonso, expressed his desire to create a memorable experience for the team’s fans as they face Roma at home. Despite suffering a 1-0 defeat in Rome, Alonso, a former Champions League winner with Liverpool and Real Madrid, remains optimistic about their chances, emphasizing that “the result is still open.”
Alonso, who took charge of Leverkusen in October and successfully steered them away from the relegation zone into European contention, revealed his ambition for the match. “Our goal is that in a few years, people will remember tomorrow night because of the atmosphere and the passion we will have,” he stated. He further added, “I feel the energy from the team, and we’ll give everything. When we’ve given everything, then we can leave with our heads held high.”
While acknowledging the challenge, Alonso admitted that he cannot predict the tactical approach of Roma’s manager, Jose Mourinho, with whom he shared a three-year stint at Real Madrid. “It’s not easy to know what’s going on in his mind,” Alonso confessed. He praised Mourinho’s ability to instill a winning mentality in his teams and acknowledged his impact on the Roman side.
Florian Wirtz, Leverkusen’s midfielder, echoed Alonso’s confidence ahead of the crucial clash. Wirtz emphasized that his team does not require a miracle to secure a spot in the Europa League final and possesses the quality to turn the tie around. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the 20-year-old midfielder said, “We would have liked a better starting position, but there does not need to be a miracle tomorrow. We have shown in Europe again and again what we are made of and what our strengths are.”
Leverkusen has exhibited their prowess at home this season, defeating formidable opponents such as Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Union Berlin, and RB Leipzig. Wirtz expressed confidence in their home advantage, stating, “We know we will have the stadium behind us.” Recalling the hostile environment in Rome, Wirtz believes that the Leverkusen fans will motivate them from the very beginning, even during the warm-up. He concluded by affirming his determination to reach the final, emphasizing, “I definitely want to get into the final. Nothing else matters.”
The stage is set for a thrilling encounter at the BayArena as Bayer Leverkusen aims to overturn their deficit against Roma. Xabi Alonso and his talented squad will rely on their collective strength, home support, and unwavering determination to create an unforgettable night of European football. Leverkusen fans can look forward to witnessing their team leave everything on the pitch in pursuit of a place in the Europa League final.
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