Leverkusen Ready For Europa League Quarter-Final After Bundesliga Celebrations

Bayer Leverkusen's manager, Xabi Alonso, has confidently addressed concerns regarding his team's focus following their monumental Bundesliga victory, as they prepare to face West Ham in the Europa League quarter-final second leg. Despite the grand celebrations that followed their 5-0 triumph over Werder Bremen, which secured Leverkusen their first-ever Bundesliga title, Alonso insists his squad's attention is firmly on the upcoming match. The historic win last Sunday has not detracted from their preparation, with Alonso highlighting the team's controlled celebrations and quick return to focus.

David Moyes of West Ham had expressed hopes that Leverkusen's players might be less prepared after their celebrations. However, Alonso's remarks suggest otherwise, emphasizing the professional mindset within the camp. The Leverkusen boss pointed out that while the victory was thoroughly enjoyed, the team's concentration shifted back to their European campaign by Tuesday. With a 2-0 lead from the first leg, Leverkusen is in a strong position but remains wary of West Ham's capabilities, especially considering their recent win against Freiburg.

Alonso's confidence is bolstered by his team's commitment and training intensity, which he believes will translate into a strong performance against West Ham. He underlines the importance of maintaining the mentality that has brought them success so far. In contrast to Leverkusen's triumph, Granit Xhaka reflects on his successful move to Germany, achieving what Harry Kane could not with Bayern Munich. Xhaka praises the team's playing style and expresses pride in being part of such a successful squad.

Leverkusen's achievement has been a collective effort, with players like Jeremie Frimpong sharing their joy on social media. The team's focus now shifts to replicating their domestic success on the European stage. Alonso's leadership and strategic planning have been key to Leverkusen's impressive season, and they aim to continue this form against West Ham. The Europa League presents an opportunity for Leverkusen to further cement their status this season, making an already remarkable year even more memorable.

The anticipation for the match against West Ham is high, with both teams having much to prove. Leverkusen seeks to demonstrate their resilience and capacity to compete on multiple fronts, while West Ham aims to overturn the deficit and advance in the competition. As the teams prepare for this crucial encounter, all eyes will be on whether Leverkusen can maintain their winning momentum or if West Ham can stage an impressive comeback.