Sitting opposite Mainz 05 head coach Bo Henriksen at a post-match press conference yesterday, Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso didn’t exactly receive the same humorous accolades as his counterpart did. The future Real Madrid head coach nevertheless delivered some thoughtful quotes on his two-and-a-half years spent working in the German Bundesliga.
Xabi’s farewell to the German top flight came at an away match. It was such that the 43-year-old began by commenting on the Bundesliga fan scene. A professional playing career spent in Spain, England, and Germany left Xabi somewhat partial to the country that would end up launching his coaching career.
“I think this is quite unique to have such loud stadiums wherever [one goes],” Xabi said. “Where all the local supporters give their best. The away fans too. We [Leverkusen] had around 3,000 today. They were pretty loud.
“In the end it was just great,” Xabi continued. “For me it’s one of the unique things about the Bundesliga. That support. That atmosphere. One can feel it on the pitch and also whenever watching it on TV.
“The people [here in Germany] want to see attractive and dynamic football,” Xabi concluded. “Teams that are aggressive and brave like Mainz and others. Sure I’m going to miss it. I’ve learned a lot. I’ll take a lot from this heading forward.“
GGFN | Peter Weis
