Alonso warns Leverkusen to be cautious against Roma despite their lead

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso on Wednesday warned against the temptation to take the Europa League semi-final second leg against Roma with overconfidence after the 2-0 away win and a great Bundesliga campaign.

"We are in a European semi-final, we need a different concentration and a different mentality. Despite the advantage it's a dangerous situation, a goal can quickly change everything," he told the press conference.

"We want to be aggressive, to control the game. We will take the game as if the second leg was 0-0. We want to win," he added. Xabi Alonso recalled last season's elimination in the semi-finals against Roma. "We haven't forgotten the feeling we had then. We have to take energy from it," he said.

The Spaniard was also asked about Borussia Dortmund's Champions League final qualification and said it was a very positive thing for the Bundesliga.

"This high level of the Bundesliga shows that what we have achieved is not easy," said Xabi Alonso whose team have already secured the German league title and have not lost all season.

 

May 8, 2024