Xabi Alonsocoach of Bayer Leverkusen, spoke on the eve of tomorrow’s match against Roma in the Europa League semi-final.
He said it’s nice to play against Roma again.
“For us to be able to be here again is an important cornerstone, from the beginning of our Europa League we wanted to draw lessons from last season, last year it was painful not to go to the final and we dragged this pain on ourselves to make it a virtue Roma have changed a lot, they have changed their style of play, tomorrow we expect an intense match.”
How long did this pain last? Did it take longer than expected?
It lasted quite a while, it didn’t go away right away. We understood that last year was a unique opportunity, the team’s development had been excellent. We were ready to beat Roma to go to the final. The hunger is what we have, we can only draw positive lessons from last year, but tomorrow’s mentality and approach must not change, we will try to repeat ourselves and see how it goes.”
On the celebrations.
“None of us celebrated, we prepared with intensity. We know who we are playing against, Roma have great quality with a new coach, they have changed the style a bit but we are ready for an intense semi-final. They have shown that they are very good at previous rounds, they have a very high level and have made a great journey in Europe.”
Do you have a sense of revenge towards Roma?
“Let’s put it this way, it’s a second chance and it happens often in football. Last year we missed it a lot so to get to the final, we had to score at least one goal. Things have changed for everyone, the atmosphere will be crazy, it’s not decisive what will happen tomorrow and we are ready to play our football, demonstrating what we are capable of doing in view of the return match.”
Score often at the end.
“Beyond nicknames, our interest is to be consistent, have an idea of how to play and maintain great spirit, it’s not just the players on the pitch who show us what they have to do, if we’re not united we won’t reach the goal. goal. What happened was spectacular, but tomorrow is something else, we are in Europe against Roma, could it happen that we score in injury time? Surely, it’s our approach to the match. Let’s never give up everything until the end and that’s why we showed a great mentality and this is the key to success, you can play well or badly, but the important thing is not to lose the mentality because the details make the difference and can give us the ticket to the final”.
In the return leg last year Roma played with great cunning and defensive strength. Did you choose a particular preparation?
“No. We absolutely didn’t talk about last year, practically zero, it was another season, with different players and a different coach. Roma have also changed a lot, they will be prepared to understand how we play. It’s a European competition, be focused and pay attention to details, don’t get red cards… it’s a huge challenge tomorrow, but it has nothing to do with last year.”
Is it a shame for you not to be able to challenge Mourinho again?
“Last year it was wonderful to be able to see José again, but we know how football works. Roma now have De Rossi, who had a great impact as a coach. Our paths are quite similar, they are two similar parallels, we find them as coaches, we know how Roma play. De Rossi’s idea of football is very clear, it will be nice to see him again tomorrow.”
What are the key points to become one of the most fascinating teams in Europe and what are the mistakes not to be made again?
“Don’t allow them to score a goal more than us. We have to have the necessary aggression, it was very difficult in the return. The smallest details make the difference, we have to be compact, prepare the game, control the pace. Things we have worked throughout the season, but tomorrow night it’s a different theater. These things happen in football, tomorrow is a different film.”