Xabi Alonso wants Bayer Leverkusen to be professional and quickly continues from their chastice defeat to Bayern Munich, with Werder Bremen afterwards.
Leverkusen suffered a 3-0 defeat against Bayern on Wednesday in the Champions League Last-16 First Leg tie, their first defeat against the Bavarians since Alonso took the lead in October 2022.
It was the sixth time under Alonso that Leverkusen has lost with a 3+ target margin, with four of those authorities in the European competition (two this season).
Their hope to continue to the quarterfinals of the Champions League are now looking slim for the second stage next week, but Alonso said that his party could not afford to wallow in their disappointment and encouraged them to reconsider their attention on the Bundesliga.
“The mood is better than [Thursday]. We have discussed everything as usual, we must be professional and concentrate on the next game, “Alonso told reporters on Friday.
“[Friday] was our first and final training session in preparation for [the game]. We want to take every competition very seriously and now the Bundesliga is the next one on the agenda. We are in a position where a lot can happen and everything is open …
“We are used to switching between the Champions League and Bundesliga, so it should not be a problem for us. We need fresh legs and a clear head, regardless of who we play and in which competition. We want to go every game full throttle.”
Leverkusen blew a lead twice in the reverse fixture against Werder (2-2). They have fallen 13 points from winning positions, the second highest count in the competition this season.
Alonso's side is second in the table at 53 points, eight behind leaders Bayern, while trying to keep the pressure on them in the title race.
The Spaniard said that the midfielder Robert Andrich would probably not act against 12th placed Werder, adding to it: “He still has the flu and does not feel well yet.”
After their meeting with Werder, Leverkusen plays their Champions League Last-16 return match against Bayern at home on Tuesday.
“We need more energy and more clarity for this second stage,” said Alonso.
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