Speaking ahead of Bayer Leverkusen’s Europa League game against Belgian side Union SG, Moussa Diaby believes that Xabi Alonso has installed belief back into the players.
“We have a new mentality now,” said Diaby. “The players are more focused. Now you can see the real face of Leverkusen. We have the players to win the Europa League.”
The Frenchman has scored 12 and created seven under Alonso in 25 games and has been one of several reasons for Leverkusen’s mini-revival under Alonso. Die Werkself are unbeaten in their last nine games across all competitions, and have won their last seven games.
With their win against Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend, that has also moved Bayer Leverkusen into the European places, a spot that was unthinkable just six months ago.
Although a 3-2 defeat against AS Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen responded well in the second-leg which earned them a tie against Hungarian side Ferencváros, beating them 4-0. Diaby and Alonso will certainly be aware of the threat that Union SG pose after they knocked out Union Berlin.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Alonso stated that Bayer Leverkusen won’t underestimate their opponents on Thursday night, but also believes that B04 have an excellent opportunity to reach the semi-final.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
