Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso stated on Wednesday that although the club won their first Bundesliga title over the weekend, their quarterfinal match with West Ham United in the Europa League remains the main priority.
Leverkusen’s 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen on Sunday guaranteed them the league title with five games to go.
Although they lead 2-0 going into Thursday’s second leg, their focus remains maximum.
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“We were ready for Sunday after the first leg.
“We had a clear idea that on Sunday we have a great chance and that we were taking one day in case of winning to enjoy it,” Alonso told a press conference.
“But from Tuesday, our focus, our mind, has been on tomorrow’s game, on West Ham. We will have enough time after that to reflect.
“We will have enough time after that to reflect.
“But now is the time that we are in Europa league and we have a great opportunity to make it a great season, so far it has been very good but it can get even better.”
Earlier, David Moyes, the manager of West Ham, made a joke about hoping that Leverkusen had celebrated their victory with a few big German beers.
“A few of them, probably, but not too many,” Alonso said.
“We had some control to get ready for tomorrow and for sure it was a moment to enjoy it, but we have talked enough about what happened, about the celebrations, now let’s talk about what’s coming tomorrow and West Ham.”
Alonso is expecting a typical European night in London, and is well aware of the type of atmosphere his side can expect.
“Once you come to England, you know that the English supporters, the West Ham fans they will push for them.
“We will have an electrifying atmosphere, it’s quarter-finals, a great chance, Europe,” he said.
“So we have all the ingredients to have a special night and hopefully we will be ready and I have a good feeling about the team.”
The manager of Leverkusen believes there is no reason why his team should give up now that they are 43 games undefeated in all competitions.
“Until this moment, the team, the players they have given me no reasons to doubt them,” Alonso said.
“Because of the commitment, because of the concentration, the mentality they have had, so I have no reasons to have doubts about tomorrow even after a big success.”