Xabi Alonso Celebrates Leverkusen's New Year Win

Xabi Alonso, head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, shared his delight following the team’s hard-fought 3-2 victory against Borussia Dortmund. The match, played at the iconic Signal Iduna Park, showcased Leverkusen’s tactical prowess and determination, setting an optimistic tone for the new year.

"It’s always special to win here," Alonso said during the post-match press conference. "Our performance today reflects the progress we’ve made as a team. Starting the year with such a result is a great boost for everyone involved." The coach emphasized the importance of the victory, adding, "This match was a significant challenge, but we approached it with the right mindset and executed our game plan effectively."

Leverkusen displayed exceptional control during the game, with Alonso particularly impressed by their ability to neutralize Dortmund’s offensive threats. "Our players maintained composure and discipline throughout the match," he noted. "We limited their scoring chances, which was a key factor in our success."

However, Alonso acknowledged there is room for improvement. "While I’m pleased with the result, we must continue refining our performance as the season progresses. The second half of the campaign will demand even greater consistency," he stated.

When questioned about the absence of Florian Wirtz from the starting lineup, Alonso clarified that the decision was made due to unforeseen circumstances earlier in the day. "It was an internal matter," he explained, choosing not to delve further into details.

Leverkusen’s victory has bolstered their position in the Bundesliga standings and reaffirmed their ambitions under Alonso’s leadership. As the team looks ahead, this result serves as a reminder of their potential and the progress they’ve achieved under the Spanish coach.