)
Xabi Alonso has hailed Leverkusen's patience and clarity of purpose after Nathan Tella inspired them to win against Wolfsburg.
Xabi Alonso praised his Bayer Leverkusen side's patience and clarity of their game plan after they took another big step towards the Bundesliga title with a 2-0 win over 10-man Wolfsburg.
Goals in either half from Nathan Tella and Florian Wirtz sealed a vital three points for the league leaders, who had the numerical advantage after Wolfsburg's Moritz Jenz was sent off midway through the opening period.
Alonso on Super Eagles’ Tella and others
However, Alonso insisted the red card wasn't the primary factor in his team's victory, instead crediting their strong start and sticking to their tactical approach.
"Obviously the red card changed the game. Though, we started well in the first 30 minutes," the Leverkusen head coach said per a post by the club on social media.
)
"We spent most of our time in their half, intense and patient. The first goal was so important just like last week. We didn't want the counters, we wanted to be patient."
Tella's aerial opener and Wirtz's calm finish put Leverkusen in control, allowing them to comfortably see out the win despite Wolfsburg's late pressure.
)
The victory maintained their 10 points at the top of the table and the momentum built from last week's victory against Cologne.
Alonso was quick to laud Tella and his teammates for their assured performance and commitment to implementing Leverkusen's clearly defined tactics.
)
"The victory is important, and I'm happy with the performance,” he added. “We will continue to focus on our game. That is the simplest and most important thing. We have a clear idea and a clear plan."
"We are consistently continuing on our path. Now comes the Europa League second leg on Thursday and Sunday we go to Freiburg. That's where our focus lies."
The Spaniard's laser-focused approach has been a hallmark of Leverkusen's unexpected title charge this season, with no distractions allowed to blur their vision.
With key Europa League and Bundesliga tests to come this week, Alonso insists his side must remain grounded and follow the same patient, purposeful blueprint that has served them so well.
)
Their ability to stick to the game plan, no matter the circumstances, could ultimately decide whether they can hang on to their handy lead and go on to make history.
Related content
)
15:24 - 09.03.2024
Boniface announces return to training with Portable and Skepta's Tony Montana
Victor Boniface faced a challenging road to recovery after suffering a debilitating injury prior to the AFCON. Despite setbacks, his resilience shone through as he dedicated himself to rehabilitation. Now, with his training comeback, Boniface is on the cusp of reclaiming his glory on the football field.
)
20:38 - 07.03.2024
Tella's Leverkusen rally against Juninho-inspired Qarabag to preserve historic run in Baku thriller
Nathan Tella and Bayer Leverkusen were saved their blushes by Patrik Schick aganinst a spirited Qarabag FK in the UEFA Europa League.
)
05:52 - 07.03.2024
Boniface Boost: Leverkusen boss delivers positive update on Super Eagles forward
Victor Boniface has been a big miss for Bayer Leverkusen and Nigeria's Super Eagles but is closing in on his return to action.
)
08:32 - 06.03.2024
UEL: Leverkusen relive Boniface heroics ahead of Qarabag reunion in Baku
Bayer Leverkusen are missing Victor Boniface who already helped them beat Qarabag twice in the UEL.
)
07:43 - 06.03.2024
How Super Eagles star Boniface and Leverkusen have thrived under demanding Alonso
Victor Boniface and Bayer Leverkusen are on the brink of historic and Spanish legend Xabi Alonso has been the brain behind their excellent form.
)
23:10 - 04.03.2024
Xabi Alonso: Bayern Munich Open Talks to Sign Liverpool's Top Target to Replace Klopp
The Spanish tactician has reportedly been approached for the Bayern Munich job despite currently leading Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga
)
21:29 - 03.03.2024
Granit Xhaka warns Leverkusen teammates to avoid ‘bottling’ title like Arsenal
The Swiss midfielder is not getting overconfident despite Xabi Alonso’s side opening a 10-point lead on Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich because of last season’s Premier League failure with Arsenal.
)
17:26 - 03.03.2024
King Tella's Leverkusen beat Billy Goats to extend historic run and lead
Nigeria's Nathan Tella and Bayer Leverkusen look untouchable after another routine win against Cologne in the Bundesliga.
)
15:30 - 28.02.2024
Inside Manchester United's Tactical Revolution – Why It's Not About the Players, But the Coach's Vision!
Establishing a cohesive structure of play at Manchester United is essential for success in football, as demonstrated by examples such as Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Pep Guardiola at Manchester City.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)