Journalists quiz Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso on a multitude of topics from his summer in Ireland to Toni Kroos announcing his retirement from Real Madrid and Germany
Xabi Alonso, manager of Bayer Leverkusen, controls the ball during a training session ahead of the Europa League final against Atalanta at the temporarily rebranded 'Dublin Arena' on Wednesday. Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty ImagesAviva Stadium, 8.0pm, Virgin Media 2, TNT Sports 1
Squashed between Cologne and Düsseldorf, the 12,000 fans who have travelled from the small city of Leverkusen can hardly be blamed for getting a little greedy. Same goes for the club that is named after a pharmaceutical company as €8.7 million in prize money is on offer for overcoming Italian side Atalanta.
On Toni Kroos announcing his imminent retirement from Real Madrid and Germany after the Euros, Xabi paid tribute to the midfielder who swapped clubs with him, Munich to Madrid, in 2014. “It is the right decision, I understand him leaving at the top with a Champions League final and for Germany, they will be able to enjoy him at the Euros.
It helps Bayer’s pursuit of an invincible season that Atalanta have already qualified for next season’s Champions League, in the fifth Italian slot, and that their coach Gian Piero Gasperini is openly concerned about “playing three matches a week”. Albania skipper Berat Djimsiti will lead the team out in his absence, and the big centre half wasted no time leaving the media duties to his injured colleague.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta set-up Europa League final showdown in DublinThe Aviva Stadium hosts the decider on 22 May.
Read more »
Bayer Leverkusen and Atalanta to meet in Europa League final in DublinGerman side make it 49 games unbeaten after stunning comeback against Roma in second leg
Read more »
Brilliant Bayer Leverkusen stretch their unbeaten run to 50 gamesThomas Tuchel’s heavily changed Bayern Munich beat Wolfsburg 2-0.
Read more »
Europa League: Bayer Leverkusen on course for Dublin final after 2-0 win in RomeMarseille held to a 1-1 home draw by Atalanta in the other semi-final first leg
Read more »
Bayer Leverkusen make history as they edge into Dublin Europa League finalThe German champions broke Benfica's longstanding record after going 48 consecutive games unbeaten.
Read more »
Bayer Leverkusen become first team to complete Bundesliga season unbeatenCologne are relegated after 4-1 loss at Heidenheim
Read more »