When Xabi Alonso took over Leverkusen 2022, the German club took a gamble on a fantastic former player, but an unexperienced coach but it worked. So far, the Spaniard not only managed the first title for Bayer ever, but did so in style, in a season without a single defeat. He also somehow managed to stay undefeated against Bayern Munich in five games, which is a rare quality itself. As for his tactical knowledge or unexperience, he already proved to be not maybe Guardiola but certainly Klopp. Alonso played five times against the Bavarians and changed his tactical setup all five times.Xabi Alonso is UNBEATEN against Bayern Munich in his managerial career to date 🤯😤 pic.twitter.com/v4geaIXFhv— OneFootball (@OneFootball) February 14, 2025 For example, in 2022/23 season he won 2-1 and surprised his rivals by playing midfielder Robert Andrich as libero. Last season, he won 3-0 and played with four types of central back and without a typical striker, thus completely surprising then head coach Thomas Tuchel. Then he defeated Bayern again, in the Round of 16 in the DFB Cup (1-0) and this time, he emplyed Florian Wirtz as a false nine, luring Munich‘s high defensive line even further, which eventually caused Manuel Neuer‘s blunder and a red card, which basically resolved the game in Leverkusen‘s favor.See you next decade – mission ‘Musiala 2030′ accomplishedAhead of today‘s encounter, the Spaniard successfully fend off all questions regarding tactics.”That’s a good question, but I still have to think about it“ he said when he was asked will he use three or four defender at the back. He didn‘t even wanted to reveal if he plans to play offensively against the first placed team in Bundesliga. “There will be a moment for everything. We are playing at home, but we have to understand at all times what phase of the game we are in. The idea is clear. We are competitive. To achieve that, we have to prepare very well” he said.Shock for Bavarians! Barca steal defender from under Bayern’s nose?!Alonso is very aware of the fact that the Bavarians are coming to Leverkusen with big eight points advantage and a win is needed in order to keep any level or hope that they can again be champions. And former Bayern legend Lotthar Matthaus agrees.“Bayern has an eight-point lead, but they haven’t beaten Leverkusen in their last five matches over the past two years. From that perspective, this is a completely open game. Leverkusen must win to keep their chances of defending the title alive, although they would still be five points behind. In my opinion, if Bayern maintains their eight-point lead after this match, they will definitely become champions” said the famous German. Both teams have more-less complete squads so it will be just Xabi Alonso‘s tactical setup against Vicent Company‘s team.BUNDESLIGA – MATCHDAY 22Friday Augsburg – RB Leipzig 0-0Saturday 17.30: (5.20) Bochum (3.80) Dortmund (1.68)17.30: (2.60) St.Pauli (3.15) Freiburg (2.85)17.30: (1.77) Stuttgart (3.70) Wolfsburg (4.60)17.30: (2.35) Union Berlin (3.50) M’ gladbach (3.15)20.30: (3.15) Leverkusen (3.50) Bayern (2.35)Sunday 17.30: (1.95) Werder (4.00) Hoffenheim (3.75)19.30: (1.33) Eintr.Frankfurt (5.50) Holstein Kiel (8.50)21.30: (3.50) Heidenheim (3.45) Mainz (2.10)***odds are subject to change***
