Despite promising signings and good preparation, Xabi Alonso rejects any praise for the Werkself ahead of Leverkusen’s start against Leipzig and is looking forward to Munich’s record-breaking Harry Kane’s Bundesliga debut.
Don’t want any praise before the first game: Xabi Alonso. IMAGO/MIS
Of course, Harry Kane’s Bundesliga debut on Friday evening in Bremen’s Weser Stadium cannot be ignored by Xabi Alonso. “I plan to watch the game. It’s always nice to play first on Friday as the champions,” said the 41-year-old on Friday, who knows what’s so special about such season-opening games. “I remember playing against Bremen with Bayern on Matchday 1. Today there are many reasons to be excited about this game.” Kane is the most important.
By the way: Bayern won 6-0 against Werder in the 2015/16 season and Xabi Alonso opened the scoring. Triple goalscorer then: Robert Lewandowski – the bar for Kane has been raised.
For Bayer 04 and Xabi Alonso it’s “only” against RB Leipzig on Saturday (3.30 p.m., LIVE! on kicker), in a duel between two Bayern hunters. Leverkusen’s coach says: “We’re playing against a top team that’s in great shape.” To raise shortly afterwards: “Marco Rose has built a top-top team.” Top, top, top, top, top – Pep Guardiola says hello.
There are similar accolades for Bayer 04. But the coach rigorously denies them. “We haven’t started yet, so there’s no reason to be praised,” emphasizes Xabi Alonso, “we have a good feeling, yes. But we’re not stupid to think that we’re the best if we haven’t achieved anything yet have.”
Tendency to change the system due to Adli’s ban
Another striker who isn’t in Kane’s spheres is also influencing Xabi Alonso’s plans. Since Amine Adli is suspended, the coach has to decide whether to change his system to a 3-4-3 or to build a replacement for Adli into the recently favored 4-2-3-1 that does not match the profile of the fast and strong player the French.
And as much as Xabi Alonso only dealt with the question of a one-to-one replacement for Adli in his answer, one can almost certainly assume that the strategist will rely on a system change. This is how the Basque explained the effects of Adli’s absence: “We have enough opportunities to decide who plays in this position. Nadiem Amiri did well, as did Adam Hlozek. It’s a shame that Amine is suspended for three more games, but we have enough players who can play in this position.” But probably won’t do it on Saturday.
2023-08-18 14:42:16
#Xabi #Alonsos #Date #Kane
