2024-04-28 11:53:10
Xabi Alonso and Bayer Leverkusen have once again provided a last-minute moment. However, the coach also saw his fourth yellow card against Stuttgart.
Actually, Xabi Alonso would have had every reason to be happy on Saturday evening. His team is still undefeated this season. Also thanks to Robert Andrich’s goal in stoppage time against Stuttgart (you can read more about VfB’s anger here) and the 2-2 score at the end. But not everything was rosy for Alonso this Bundesliga weekend.
He himself saw the yellow card in the 70th minute – as did Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeneß. Referee Zwayer stepped outside and took action during the contested duel. Incomprehensible for the coach of the German champions.
“Have to accept it”
Alsonso explained after the game: “I don’t understand the yellow card very well. It was passionate on the bench, but nothing special happened. There were discussions with the referee and with the other bench, but with respect. But I have to accept and watch the next game from the stands.” Alonso is suspended against Eintracht Frankfurt. It was his fourth yellow card this season.
When asked whether he would be suspended for the first time in his young coaching career, the 42-year-old coach said with a laugh: “To be honest, not. I was also suspended once with the San Sebastian second team.” Alonso coached the Spanish team from July 2009 to June 2022 before he started at Bayer in the fall of the same year and won the German championship with the team this season. In addition, Alonso and his team can still win the DFB Cup and still have a chance of winning the Europa League title.