Müller praises Alonso and Leverkusen's captivating football
Germany star Thomas Müller shares his admiration for Bayer Leverkusen and their head coach, Xabi Alonso, in a recent newsletter. The 34-year-old raved about Leverkusen's enticing brand of soccer and their ex-Munich teammate, noting their success and appeal as leaders in the Bundesliga.
During his tenure at Bayern from 2014 to 2017, Müller had the pleasure of sharing the pitch with Alonso, the world and European champion who retired from the game in Munich in 2017. Müller commended Alonso's potential as a coach, describing him as an excellent communicator, strategist, and passionate footballer. His ability to remain calm under pressure made him a standout performer in the sport.
In Müller's view, Alonso's influences can be seen in Leverkusen's current on-field effort. He observes a delicate mix of enjoyment and strategic discipline, which is not only rewarding for the team but also enthralls spectators.
Müller finds this season particularly exciting thanks to the fierce competition among multiple teams, with four to five clubs consistently raking in points. In his opinion, teams have to exhibit consistent performances in order to maintain their positions, as any slip-ups will see their competitors capitalize. This scenario is both a challenge and an opportunity, as every match becomes paramount, making the Bundesliga more appealing to fans.
Leverkusen's striking soccer play under Alonso's guidance has drawn attention and admiration from fans and opposition players alike, including Müller. The Spaniard's coaching abilities became evident during his time at Bayern, and now his proficient tactical strategies are yielding impressive results for Bayer Leverkusen.
References:
www.dpa.com
Enrichment Data:
Xabi Alonso's coaching style, as mentioned in various sources, has significantly contributed to Bayer Leverkusen's alluring soccer play:
- Possession Skills: Leverkusen, under Alonso's influence, has maintained a high level of ball control, averaging 55% possession this season and remaining close to their 58.4% average from the previous season.
- Creative Midfield: The team's midfield, with Florian Wirtz and Granit Xhaka as its pillars, has been instrumental in generating scoring opportunities. Wirtz's creativity from midfield and goalscoring prowess have played a crucial role in Leverkusen's success.
- Tactical Flexibility: Alonso's adaptable coaching style has allowed Leverkusen to adjust to unique situations, as demonstrated by their ability to force extra time in the DFB Cup quarter-final against Cologne through a late-game equalizer.
- Defensive Improvements: Although Leverkusen's defense has shown some vulnerabilities this season, with 27 goals conceded, Alonso has been working diligently to strengthen their backline, as represented by their recent clean sheet against Wolfsburg.
- Team Cohesion: The team's overall harmony and collective effort have been praised, showcased by players such as Victor Boniface and Patrik Schick, who have been effective in their individual roles and contributed to Leverkusen's overall attacking power.
- Strategic Late-Game Play: Although Leverkusen has struggled to score late goals this season, their ability to do so in the past has been notable, adding to their overall success and fulfilling their strategy to capitalize on late-game opportunities.
These elements combined have contributed to Bayer Leverkusen's captivating soccer play, which has been lauded by players and fans alike.
