Interviews

Xabi Alonso after eliminating Roma: “I imagined it was going to be difficult.”

Andy Mattioli
LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY - MAY 09: Xabi Alonso, Head Coach of Bayer Leverkusen, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Semi-Final second leg match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma at BayArena on May 09, 2024 in Leverkusen, Germany. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso commented on his side’s victory over Roma on aggregate from tonight’s second leg of the Europa League semifinal.

“I imagined it was going to be tough,” Alonso told Rai Sport at full-time. “It had already been difficult in Rome.”

“We were down by two goals only due to episodes, we shouldn’t forget what we created and I liked the reaction. Last year we came close to the final, this year we advanced.”

“Atalanta? Roma were also very good in trying to attack us. Atalanta with Gasperini for many years and a well-established team: it will be nice to challenge them.”

Match Center

MatchDay 24
9 Feb 12:30
Venezia
VEN
Roma