Xabi Alonso: Leverkusen Must Fight to Keep Title Hopes Alive

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has called on his team to put pressure on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich ahead of their match against VfL Bochum.

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has urged his team to pile pressure on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich as they bid to keep their title hopes alive. Leverkusen, the reigning champions, host struggling side Vfur VfL Boife VfL Bochum on Friday, and Alonso is eager to reduce the gap between his team and Bayern.

With just eight matches remaining in the season, Leverkusen trails Bayern by six points, having accumulated 56 points to sit in second place in the Bundesliga. Alonso emphasized the importance of the upcoming match against Bochum, stating, “This is super important for us.” He also outlined the team's clear objective, saying, “It is clear what we have to do and that is to fight until the end.”

Alonso stressed that Leverkusen must seize every opportunity to close the gap with Bayern. He pointed out that the match against Bochum presents a chance to reduce the deficit to three points, saying, “The first chance we have to reduce Bayern's lead to three points is tomorrow.”

Xabi Alonso has set his sights on putting pressure on Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, who face St Pauli on Saturday. Alonso's Bayer Leverkusen can close the gap with a win against VfL Bochum on Friday. “We want to put as much pressure on them as possible,” Alonso said, highlighting the importance of securing three points.

According to #Alonso, April is a very intense phase of the league. "Anything can happen!"

🔜 #B04BOC | #Bayer04 | @CocaCola pic.twitter.com/5otIYl0WKd

— Bayer 04 Leverkusen (@bayer04_en) March 27, 2025

A win against Bochum would improve Leverkusen's situation, and Alonso is eager to capitalize on the opportunity. “If we win and get the three points then it is a better situation for us. That is the wish and the idea we should have going into the game tomorrow,” he emphasized.

With the season entering its final stretch, Alonso believes Leverkusen is well-positioned to challenge for the title. The team faces Arminia Bielefeld in the German Cup semi-final on Tuesday. “It is almost April and I have said if we are in a position in April then it's the time to fight for this chance,” Alonso noted. Despite the challenges ahead, he expressed confidence in his team's determination. “It won't be easy but the will and the desire is there.”