Alonso remains laid-back about potential transfer rumors swirling around Bayer Leverkusen, even as they prepare for their cup defense debut. "We're chill, and I don't see many changes happening," Alonso shared, brushing off rumors of departures and arrivals. Odilon Kossounou is rumored to be joining Atalanta Bergamo, while Leverkusen has reportedly expressed interest in Liverpool's Tyler Morton.
However, Kossounou will miss Leverkusen's preliminary game against Carl Zeiss Jena due to unknown reasons. Alonso was tight-lipped about the defender's status, adding to the speculation surrounding his potential departure. Kossounou's exit might also open up an opportunity for Jonathan Tah to join FC Bayern, as their defense is currently down a player due to Josip Stanisic's temporary loan back to Munich.
Alonso, however, believes that Tah is fully committed to the team and will perform well in the upcoming matches against Jena and Leipzig. The coach is urging his team to stay focused, despite their opponents' unbeaten streak in the league since March. "We must be on our toes," Alonso warned.
Regarding a potential exit of Kossounou and the arrival of Morton, Alonso seems to be taking it all in stride. In fact, the team has managed to bounce back from their initial struggles, thanks to key players like Piero Hincapié and the versatility of the defensive line. The overall strategy of playing without the ball has also paid off, contributing to their recent success.
Sources suggest that Kossounou's loan and Tah's potential departure have not significantly affected the team's performance. Instead, they highlight the team's resilience and strategic adjustments as the main contributors to their recent success. However, Alonso's feelings about these transfers and their impact on the team are not explicitly stated in the sources.
In other news, Leverkusen's championship opponents and cup victors are dealing with internal conflicts. Santa Claus was attacked, and there are fears of Tigermouse spreading in the North. Meanwhile, authorities anticipate a return to normality in snow and ice, with a tough challenge ahead for many.