Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso has insisted that his team’s upcoming Bundesliga showdown with league leaders Bayern Munich is not a decisive match in the title race, despite the significant points gap between the two sides.
Leverkusen currently sit second in the table with 46 points, trailing Bayern, who have 54. A victory for Bayern would extend their lead to 11 points with 12 games left in the season, while a Leverkusen win would cut the gap to just five.
However, Alonso does not see the match as a final battle for the title.
“It is not a final, no, no,” Alonso stated during his press conference on Friday. “We will look at the standings after the game but it is not a final. Against Bayern, we need a near-perfect performance to have a chance.”
Acknowledging Bayern’s strength, Alonso highlighted the dominance of Vincent Kompany’s side and the quality of their key players.
“This Bayern is really dominant in many, many of the games. In the Bundesliga, they have this collective dominance and then this individual quality with Harry Kane, (Jamal) Musiala… top, top players,” he said.
Since Alonso took charge, Leverkusen have yet to suffer a defeat against Bayern. While he did not reveal his tactical approach for the match, he assured that his team is prepared.
“We expect a top game against a top, top team. There is a moment for everything in a game. We have prepared our ideas,” he said. “We are competitive, and to achieve that, we have to be well prepared.”
Alonso also emphasized the challenge Bayern presents, regardless of venue.
“Bayern are dominant, at home or away. They are the best opponent you can have in the league. Bayern are in a better position in the standings, but we play at home. We will show the necessary energy,” he added.
Leverkusen will host Bayern in what promises to be a thrilling encounter, but according to Alonso, the title race will remain open beyond this fixture.
