By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, May 10 (silubaba) -- Xabi Alonso is igniting bold dreams at Bayer Leverkusen.
For three decades, the club's title ambitions have remained unfulfilled, marked by a series of disappointing second-place finishes, including the 2001/02 season across three campaigns, featuring the UEFA Champions League.
For a long time, these setbacks fueled open ridicule, as the side earned the nickname "everlasting second" despite claiming the German Cup in 1993.
The 41-year-old Spaniard appears to have sparked a transformation ahead of the UEFA Europa League semifinals against Jose Mourinho's Roma, with the first leg set for Thursday evening.
Elevating Leverkusen from 17th place to sixth, the former midfield icon has solidified the once-unstable defense, while several midfielders and attackers have made their mark.
Former goalkeeper and current coaching staff member Ruediger Vollborn openly discusses the club's hunger for a title. "We haven't been this close for a very long time," the 60-year-old stated.
While the German side embraces the underdog role against the Italians, tempting offers for coach Alonso seem to regularly surface.
Media outlets in Spain, Germany, and England report interest from Real Madrid, Tottenham, and West Ham.
Alonso remains calm amidst the rumors, focusing on Bayer's continued progress. With a contract through 2024 and no exit clause, the coach shows no signs of considering departure.
"My attention is on my club for the upcoming weeks, and I am busy preparing for Bayer's next season," he stated.
Remarkable development is evident as Exequiel Palacios, Odilon Kossounou, Amine Adli, Adam Hlozek, and Moussa Diaby deliver outstanding performances.
French international Diaby contributed nine goals and eight assists in 22 games under the Spaniard's leadership.
After an initial rough patch, the Bayer coach urged his players to "unleash our offensive power once we solidify our defense."
The team's 14-game unbeaten streak, with only seven goals conceded, speaks volumes.
Alonso remains grounded, stating, "We still have a way to go, despite our improvements."
The Bayer coach seems at ease facing his former Real Madrid mentor Mourinho as the underdog. He frequently addresses the significant challenge while acknowledging Leverkusen's prime opportunity.
While several predecessors fell short in creating what he calls "a positive mentality," the Spaniard admits progress has been made but emphasizes the team has yet to reach its full potential. ■
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