Live TMW
Xabi Alonsocoach of Bayer Leverkusenanalyzes in the press conference the match won with the result of 1-0 against Inter. Live text by TMW.
11.42pm – Xabi Alonso’s press conference begins: “We are very satisfied with this victory against a great team, we played in a very mature manner and were in control. We didn’t expect to have twenty chances against Inter, but few and to be exploited. I think we deserved to win.”
Mukiele the match winner that no one expected…
“Nordi is adapting better and better to our way of playing, he has overcome the injury and has many qualities that we lack in that department. He knows the Bundesliga and has played in the Champions League, in many great matches. Beyond the goal, there are many excellent things in his performance.”
How do you rate the team’s defensive performance?
“There were two phases. To be honest, pressing Inter high is not easy: they have these rotations between players that they know by heart. You have to be clear about what to do at every moment of the match, my players have awareness from this point of sight in both phases. On an offensive level we moved well and didn’t lose too many stupid balls. We also defended ourselves with the ball and that was very important.”
Kovar’s choice in goal today?
“He deserved it, I’m the one who makes the decisions but when a player offers good performances he deserves to play. And I think it was an excellent choice.”
Was arriving at the stadium among so many fans special?
“There was great enthusiasm, these are evenings that we cannot take for granted. Welcoming Inter as we did with Milan is something to hold dear. I felt that the fans were expecting a great match and we managed to give it to them: we returned the enthusiasm and that’s a good thing.”
He said he would wait a few days for an opinion on the new Champions League formula. What do you think now?
“I think sometimes it’s a good idea to mix things up to see what comes out of them. I’m not saying this for the results, because after six days I’m now starting to do some calculations. I don’t know if we can go through with another three points, with four or you are for sure, we’ll see. It’s exciting.”
11.48pm – Xabi Alonso’s press conference concluded.