Before his first duel as a coach with FC Bayern Munich, Xabi Alonso is not concerned with a future coaching engagement with the record champions.
“That’s not an issue for me. I don’t look that far into the future,” said the Bayer Leverkusen coach. From 2014 to 2017, the Spaniard played for Munich and won five titles there. “I’m just looking until Sunday,” added Alonso.
Then the Leverkusen team, who have been unbeaten for six competitive games, welcome the Munich team (5:30 p.m. / DAZN). Above all, the former CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge had said several times that he could imagine Alonso as Bayern head coach at some point.
The Spaniard is looking forward to meeting the Munich team. “Until the game, my focus is just on helping the team. There’s no room for emotion there. We have to be professionals,” he said. “But after the game I will have time to say hello to my friends. I have great connections to Munich. I had a great experience there and I have fond memories of my three years. Playing against them for the first time as a coach will be nice. Hopefully with a smile after the game.”
Alonso also has great respect for the people of Munich. “We know their quality and they are in a good phase,” said the 41-year-old. “But we also have a good moment and we will do our best.” Bayern in the Champions League and Bayer in the Europa League are the only remaining Bundesliga sides in the quarter-finals of the European Cup competitions. (dpa)