Alonso honoured, wants more silverware
said it was an honour to manage Bayer Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title after the runaway leaders clinched the trophy in style with a 5-0 victory over Werder Bremen.
Leverkusen were crowned German champions for the first time in their 120-year history with a dominant win which saw Florian Wirtz net a second-half hat-trick at an ecstatic BayArena.
Victor Boniface had opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Granit Xhaka doubled the lead with a long-range effort.
Alonso, who committed his future to Leverkusen after being linked with former clubs Liverpool and Bayern Munich earlier this season, lauded the “special” achievement after winning his first major trophy in management.
“This success is special for everyone, for the entire club. It belongs to so many people,” the 42year-old Spaniard said after the match, as reported by Kicker.
“We have to enjoy winning this for the entire club. The first championship in 120 years. It’s an honour to be part of it and working here. Today we deserve to celebrate, with family, friends and fans.”
Leverkusen remain unbeaten during a fairytale campaign which could yet yield even more silverware.
They hold a 2-0 first-leg lead over West Ham in the Europa League quarterfinals – the second leg takes place in London on Friday (3am) – and also have a DFB Pokal final against Kaiserslautern to look forward to next month.
“It may not be the last party of the current season,” Alonso added. “We want more. We still have a big goal in the Europa League. We have a good chance to be in the semifinals and also in the cup, the feeling is incredible.”
Leverkusen’s success ends Bayern’s 11-year reign as German champions, with Borussia Dortmund back in 2012 the last team to deny them top spot.
Bayern, who are currently a massive 16 points behind Leverkusen after a largely disappointing season for Thomas Tuchel’s side, were quick to applaud the new title winners.
“Congratulations to Bayer Leverkusen on a historic first Bundesliga title in the club’s history,” Bayern president Herbert Hainer said.
“The title goes absolutely deservedly to Leverkusen – it’s the reward for an outstanding season and great football.
Bayern chief executive Jan-Christian Dreesen added: “They’ve had a flawless season so far, the team have demonstrated courage, class and above all consistency, and that’s why they deserve to be 2024 German champions.” – The Independent/Agencies