Bayer Leverkusen’s manager, Xabi Alonso, has called for a more aggressive approach from his team following their dramatic last-minute victory in the Bundesliga. Leverkusen secured a 2-1 win against their opponents, thanks to a late goal that sealed all three points, but Alonso believes there is room for improvement in their overall performance.
The match, held at the BayArena, saw Leverkusen come from behind after falling behind early in the first half. Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the team struggled to break down their opponents’ defense until the final moments of the game.
Alonso’s tactical adjustments and motivational team talk appeared to have the desired effect, as Leverkusen intensified their pressure in the closing stages. Their persistence paid off when forward Florian Wirtz scored a dramatic late goal, securing the win and sending the home fans into jubilation.
In his post-match interview, Alonso expressed satisfaction with the result but emphasized the need for his team to play with greater aggression throughout the match. “While I’m pleased with the result, we need to be more assertive from the start,” Alonso said. “We showed great character to come back and win, but our approach needs to be more aggressive and decisive. We can’t always rely on last-minute goals to get us through.”
Alonso’s comments reflect a desire to see Leverkusen improve their consistency and assertiveness on the pitch. The team’s performance, while ultimately successful, highlighted a tendency to start games slowly and struggle to break down organized defenses.
The manager’s focus on aggression comes as part of a broader strategy to enhance Leverkusen’s competitiveness in the Bundesliga. Alonso is known for his emphasis on tactical discipline and intensity, and he believes that a more proactive approach will help the team maintain their momentum throughout the season.
“We have the quality to dominate games, but we need to bring that aggression to every match,” Alonso added. “It’s about setting the tone early and making sure we control the game. Our success this season will depend on how consistently we can apply these principles.”
Leverkusen’s victory keeps them in contention for a top spot in the Bundesliga, and Alonso’s call for greater aggression will be a key focus as the team prepares for their upcoming fixtures. With a challenging schedule ahead, the manager is keen to ensure that his players are ready to meet the demands of the league and continue their push for success.
As Leverkusen looks to build on their recent form, fans will be hoping to see a more aggressive and dominant performance from the team in their next matches. Alonso’s leadership and tactical acumen will be crucial in guiding Leverkusen through the remainder of the season and achieving their goals in the Bundesliga.