Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso stated that the Europa League semi-final towards Roma will likely be a “special meeting” with the Italian’s boss Jose Mourinho.
“It will be a special meeting for me with Jose Mourinho. I have learned from him to convince a team and to be a leader. But when the match starts, that’s what I’ll be focused on,” Alonso advised a news convention on Wednesday.
Alonso and Mourinho labored collectively at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, successful one La Liga title and one Copa del Rey collectively.
For the primary leg match on Thursday, Leverkusen will likely be with out former German worldwide Karim Bellarabi, who will miss the sport attributable to muscular issues.
“We don’t know yet how serious Karim’s injury is. He had problems in his thigh. We are waiting for the results of the tests,” Alonso stated.
The solely different absent participant is Czech ahead Patrik Schick who’s out for the remainder of the season with an adductor harm.
Leverkusen received Europe’s second-tier competitors beneath its former identify UEFA Cup in 1988. They final reached a European last in 2002, dropping the Champions League decider to Real Madrid. Their final title, in the meantime, was the German Cup in 1993.
“The feeling within the team is top. We have high energy and feel great excitement. We expect a great atmosphere against a very good opponent,” Alonso burdened.
Goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky added: “It’s one of the biggest games of my career. I’m really looking forward to it.”
The return leg towards Roma, the 2022 Conference League champions, is subsequent week in Leverkusen.
Source: www.anews.com.tr
