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Xabi Alonso is hopeful the brief time he has had along with his Bayer Leverkusen gamers will probably be ample to get them again to successful methods in opposition to Hoffenheim.
Leverkusen’s 35-game unbeaten run within the Bundesliga ended of their final match, shedding simply their second recreation of the marketing campaign at house to RB Leipzig after going the entire of the final league season with no defeat.
The worldwide break has since diminished their preparation time for the journey to Hoffenheim, however Alonso stays optimistic about their possibilities of bouncing again.
“It was an specific preparation, with an specific assembly with the group, and particular person discussions,” Xabi Alonso instructed reporters on Friday.
“Friday is our final coaching session with the entire group. After all, we don’t have lots of time to organize for Saturday, however that’s our regular dynamic.
“We’ll see if this specific assembly was environment friendly or not.”
Leverkusen wanted a late purpose to grab a 3-2 win at Borussia Monchengladbach of their opener, earlier than happening 3-2 in opposition to Leipzig, however the supervisor doesn’t consider it’s all doom and gloom.
“We’re doing lots of issues very properly, however there are some things we have to enhance to achieve our greatest stage,” he stated.
Identical once more tomorrow lads! #TSGB04 pic.twitter.com/oRaW0r57Fy
— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) September 13, 2024
“There aren’t too many issues, however there are vital issues to enhance. Hopefully, we’ve a greater efficiency, a extra full efficiency.
“It’s a soccer and a mentality challenge. We now have to enhance tactically, with the ball, but in addition with our mentality and focus to enhance and be a bit higher.”
The coach stated that every one his gamers returned wholesome from worldwide obligation, and he took the time to again his defender Jonathan Tah after the German got here underneath criticism from an opposition supervisor.
After the 2-2 Nations League draw between Germany and the Netherlands on Tuesday, Dutch supervisor Ronald Koeman stated that Tah, who was changed at half-time, had large issues and made lots of errors.
“It’s his opinion. My opinion is that Jonathan is a prime participant for us,” Alonso stated.
“What he did within the worldwide break, the worldwide recreation isn’t my matter. And he was right here yesterday, in a great temper, with a great feeling, in order that’s my principal concern.”
