With this tactical move, Xabi Alonso (42) put ex-Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann (36) on the cross!
The 1:2 in Leverkusen in March 2023 cost the current national coach his job with the record champions. The role of Robert Andrich (29) as a deep defense behind two central defenders completely threw FC Bayern off course.
In the championship fight, the former world-class player revives his variant. Alonso unpacks the libero again!
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Source: Sportdigital January 8, 2024
In the only test of the preparation, in Sunday’s 4-1 win against Italian second division club Venice, Alonso once again resorted to the role of last man. He had already rehearsed this in training with Andrich, actually a six.
The reason for the libero’s comeback: League leaders Bayer are releasing four players for the Africa Cup. In addition to goal scorer Victor Boniface (23) and Amine Adli (23) there are two central defenders – Edmond Tapsoba (24) and Odilon Kossounou (23).
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This means that the best defense in the league (12 goals conceded) has been blown up for the time being. In addition, defense chief Jonathan Tah (27) has four yellow cards. The next time he gets a warning, he’s out for a game.
Alonso had him defended on the right against Venice, where Bayern loanee Josip Stanisic (23) could replace him. Stability in the center would be maintained by Andrich.
It’s even possible that Tah will take a break at the start in Augsburg so that he can be sure to take part in the big game in Leipzig a week later. Tah to BILD: “Everyone is aware of the situation. I don’t know what the coach is planning…”
Foto: Bayer 04 Leverkusen via Getty Images
Alonso always thinks one step further. He is the strategist who put Leverkusen on a master course. At the series champions in Munich, they know what potential their former midfield strategist has. That’s why the respect for Leverkusen is great this season.
The suspensions for the Africa Cup are the next test – for Alonso and for Leverkusen as Bayern’s true competitors.
Alonso found the first answer.
2024-01-08 21:38:18
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