Xabi Alonso seeks home comforts for Bayer Leverkusen on his ...
Just 180 minutes away from invincibility, Xabi Alonso took the opportunity during his Europa League pre-match press conference to reflect on his first visit to Ireland.
The Bayer Leverkusen boss was just 14 when he arrived in Kells, Co Meath from Spain as an exchange student, staying with Liam and Fidelma O'Brien of Headfort Park.
Learning English was his prime focus but he used his time to engage in sports, including the Royals tradition of GAA.
Football stardom followed, principally in the colours of Liverpool and Real Madrid, but followed by a stellar coaching graduation.
Bayer won their first Bundesliga in their 120-year history unbeaten. Atalanta stand square in their way of the Europa trophy at Lansdowne Road on Wednesday before they complete the season against FC Koln in their domestic DFB Cup decider on Saturday night.
“No, it was not in my plans on what I wanted to be,” Alonso said about dreaming of European glory while soloing his way around the GAA fields as a teen.
“I came here at 14 to Kells and I enjoyed my summer. It’s always great to come to Dublin since then..
“In my Liverpool team, the connection with Ireland was strong. It's great to be here, the stadium is fantastic and our fans will enjoy the whole day, the pre-match, and it will be a great match and atmosphere.”
Alonso has urged his player to avoid the relish rather than be daunted by the raucous atmosphere, as the Germans are set to have almost half of the stadium’s 51,000 seats.
“We celebrated the Bundesliga title on Sunday, which we’ll tap into, but this game is about mentality.
"Atalanta are similar to some of the teams we faced in Germany but we will play to our strengths.”
Both Patrik Schick and star man Florian Wirtz are set to start for Bayer after shaking off knocks.
Europa League final
Bayer Leverkusen v Atalanta
Wednesday, 8pm
Lansdowne Road.
