Xabi Alonso: Atletico Madrid Pose 'Biggest Challenge' for Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has praised Atletico Madrid's strength and squad depth ahead of their Champions League clash, calling it a 'biggest challenge' for his team.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso is confident in his team's abilities, stating, “The team is in a good moment. The players have conviction of what we are doing.” This conviction has translated into an impressive run of form, with Leverkusen having secured 11 consecutive wins across all competitions.

🗣️ Xabi: "I have a lot of respect for Diego @Simeone. What he has built up here at Atlético is outstanding. To be at a club for 13 years is something very special for a coach."#AtletiB04 #UCL pic.twitter.com/WU07z8AITM

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 20, 2025

Leverkusen's strong form has propelled them to second place in the Bundesliga standings, where they trail leaders Bayern Munich by four points. As they prepare to face Atletico Madrid, Alonso has been effusive in his praise for the Spanish side. Despite Atletico's surprising 1-0 loss to Leganes on Saturday, which ended their 15-game winning streak, Alonso recognizes the threat they pose. Atletico Madrid currently sits second in LaLiga, two points behind Real Madrid and five points ahead of third-placed Barcelona.

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso believes that both his team and Atletico Madrid are in a strong position ahead of their upcoming clash. “We are both in a good moment,” Alonso said. “Atletico, despite the last defeat, are in a great vein of form and you see many reasons why they are so strong.”

Alonso has been impressed by Atletico's squad depth and ability to rotate players while maintaining a high level of performance. “This may be Atletico's best squad in the last 10 years, they are able to rotate in all three competitions and the team still function well,” he observed. “They are ready to achieve big ambitions. In LaLiga they will fight until the end, in the Copa del Rey they are in the quarter-finals (against Getafe) and tomorrow will be as difficult a challenge as it could be.”

✨ The stage is set 🍿#UCL #AtletiB04 pic.twitter.com/jBDdgeuynM

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) January 20, 2025

When questioned about rumors linking him to Real Madrid, Alonso deftly sidestepped the issue. “I can't tell you anything. We are in the middle of the season and all clubs have big objectives,” he said. While acknowledging his enduring affection for Real Madrid, where he played for five seasons and won several titles, Alonso emphasized his focus on the present. “Over the years, time passes, but the affection (between Real Madrid and I) endures. That relationship is unforgettable, and we are grateful for it because the bond is very strong.”

Alonso reflected fondly on his time as a player at Real Madrid, describing it as “a very beautiful period” marked by intense struggles and ultimate triumph. “(The rumours) don't bother me, it doesn't surprise me and I'm prepared for it,” he said. “It's an honour to be mentioned but I'm worried about the match against Atleti, we've got enough on our plate.”