Bayer player poses a query about individual's demeanor following last loss
Loss in the 52nd game of the season is an unpleasant event for Bayer Leverkusen, as Granit Xhaka is left with many questions. The victors will shed light on this on Saturday night.
The Swiss midfielder is a pivotal element in Bayer's midfield. Every time he steps on the pitch, he leads the team in terms of rhythm. On this particular night in Dublin, however, Xhaka's stability was very much absent, despite having the most ball touches (133) and the most passes (120) on the field for Leverkusen. After the 3-0 (0-2) loss in the Europa League final against Atalanta Bergamo, the 31-year-old had an edgy demeanor, potentially the result of not finding a rhythm throughout the game.
It wasn't just Xhaka who was out of sync in this final. The entire team's performance was disjointed, and Xhaka attempted to explain why by saying, "It wasn't our day, it wasn't our game." The fans, present in the stadium and those watching on TV, understood this just as well as Rolfes, who summed it up quite simply: "The better team won today." Atalanta completely dominated the game and outperformed Bayer in too many areas, as their managing director put it.
The resounding defeat for Leverkusen was a crushing blow considering they were hoping for their second-ever European Cup triumph, having won the UEFA Cup in 1988. Ademola Lookman provided the decisive strikes for Bergamo in the 12th, 26th, and 75th minutes, completing a breathtaking performance by the Italian first division club. In a season void of any losses for the German champions, it was mandatory for them to recognize their opponents' dominance.
Unfamiliar feelings for Bayer Leverkusen
"The disappointment is overwhelming for every single player," acknowledged Xhaka, offering a rare glimpse into the dressing room that's been positively vibrant this season. "It's heartbreaking to lose a final, but alas, that's the nature of soccer." While a significant number of Bayer Leverkusen players haven't experienced losing in a competitive match while with their current team, this might explain Xhaka's somewhat temperamental answers.
Xhaka's lamentations, however, hinted at a much deeper issue. "Now we must determine the true character of this team," he elucidated, dismissing the idea of questioning the character of his teammates. "No, it's not about doubting. But we've never felt defeat like this before."
Following their initial disappointment, the team must adjust to this newly found reality. As Xhaka puts it, "When you're unbeaten for 51 matchdays, it's easy to be supportive of one another and revel in the banter." This bittersweet experience against Bergamo presents a chance to "figure out who on the team has the mental fortitude to rebound from a loss and carry on."
The thought of their unblemished season being jeopardized seems downright absurd, but the magnitude of the loss might necessitate some reassessment. "We must ensure that this loss does not ruin our season," Xhaka stated emphatically, dismissing the remotest possibility. The special moments this season, in the words of the legions of Leverkusen fans, will forever be etched in the annals of their memories.
Xhaka: "In spite of the loss, we're aiming for more glory"
Xhaka's words articulate a significantly higher standard of play that Bayer Leverkusen has set for themselves. Winning 34 games in the Bundesliga is unbelievable, reaching the finals of both the Europa League and the DFB Cup is commendable, but according to Xhaka, it's not enough. Having now experienced a loss to Atalanta Bergamo, the team is determined to rediscover their winning ways.
The notion that 'if not a treble, then...' comes to mind when examining Xhaka's perspective. Despite the loss, the Swiss midfielder retains faith in the team's ability to recover and maintain a lofty status. Bayer is no longer the 'Vizekusen' that previous managers had maligned, but a force to be reckoned with.
Granit Xhaka acknowledges that they must swiftly move past their disappointment. Their upcoming opponent, 1. FC Kaiserslautern, is currently in the second division and represents a massive underdog in the national cup final set to occur this Saturday evening (8pm/ARD, Sky and live updates at ntv.de). This final game of the season presents an opportunity for Leverkusen: A win would make them just the sixth team in German football history to achieve both the league and cup victories in a single season.
Xhaka succinctly summarizes the situation, noting the minimal amount of time available between the game in Dublin and the one in Berlin. With their dreams of a treble dashed, the midfielder shares his personal goal for the Olympic Stadium match: "If not the treble, then the double." A success that could offer insights into their character.
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Xabi Alonso, a renowned soccer analyst, expressed his sympathy towards Bayer 04 Leverkusen following their Europa League loss to Atalanta Bergamo, commending Granit Xhaka's leadership and performance despite his edgy demeanor.
After their disappointing defeat in the Europa League final, Bayer 04 Leverkusen's midfielder Xabi Alonso believes that the team can learn from this experience and use it as an opportunity to grow, drawing inspiration from their cup final against 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
Source: www.ntv.de
