Xabi Alonso Stresses Leverkusen's Concentration On West Ham Amid Title Hopes

Xabi Alonso, the head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, has emphasized the team's immediate focus on their upcoming Europa League quarter-final clash with West Ham United, despite being on the brink of clinching their first Bundesliga title. Leverkusen, boasting an impressive unbeaten streak across all competitions this season, could secure the league championship as early as this weekend, contingent on matching or bettering Bayern Munich's result. The potential title win is set for determination either on Saturday or Sunday, with a victory over Werder Bremen at home sealing their triumph.

Leverkusen's aspirations extend beyond national success, eyeing a treble that includes the German Cup final. Alonso, in his pre-match press briefing, highlighted the importance of maintaining focus against a seasoned European competitor like West Ham. The London club, having won the Conference League last season, presents a formidable challenge in Leverkusen's European campaign. Alonso's commitment to Leverkusen has been met with enthusiasm from the squad, with defender Jeremie Frimpong expressing admiration for the coach's influence and the strong bond within the team.

The encounter with West Ham also brings its share of challenges, notably in personnel. Leverkusen will be without striker Adam Hlozek due to an ankle injury sustained in their recent 1-0 victory against Union Berlin. This setback comes as West Ham faces uncertainty over the availability of their leading scorer, Jarrod Bowen. Despite these hurdles, Leverkusen is determined to advance further in the competition, drawing motivation from last season's narrow defeat in the semi-finals against Roma.

The anticipation for Thursday's match is palpable among players and fans alike, with Leverkusen eager to showcase their prowess against top-tier European talent. The quest for a historic treble remains alive, with each game bringing them closer to achieving an extraordinary feat in German football.