Xabi Alonso insists Bayer Leverkusen’s focus is solely on West Ham on Thursday night despite a potentially historic weekend on the horizon. (More Football News)
Leverkusen, unbeaten in all 41 of their matches this season, look set to wrap up a first Bundesliga title on Saturday or Sunday.
All they need to do is match Bayern Munich’s result to be confirmed as champions.
Should Bayern lose to Cologne then Leverkusen will be crowned as title winners without having to kick a ball.
Either way, Alonso’s side will claim the title if they beat Werder Bremen at home on Sunday afternoon.
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But Leverkusen are still in the hunt for a treble – they are already in the German Cup final – and first up is the Europa League quarter-final first leg against the Hammers.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Alonso said: “We know what West Ham can do. They have experience in Europe, last season they were champions of the Conference League.
“We want to go further and starting tomorrow and then next week in London, we have to play to our own game. We are ready.”
Former Liverpool midfielder Alonso was reportedly among the contenders to replace Jurgen Klopp as Anfield boss.
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But the 42-year-old Spaniard has opted to stay at the BayArena, a decision which has thrilled the players according to defender Jeremie Frimpong.
“Everyone has a good feeling,” he said. “We love the coach and we are happy, you see it on the pitch. We simply have this great connection.”
Leverkusen reached the semi-finals of the same competition last season, but were edged out 1-0 on aggregate by Roma.
“When we lost last season in the Europa League semi-final it was difficult, but this season is different, we don’t like losing,” added Frimpong.
“It’s the quarter-finals so we are obviously excited for tomorrow. It’s what football is about, playing against the top teams so we are looking forward to it.”
West Ham have a major doubt over top scorer Jarrod Bowen for the match in Germany, but Leverkusen have also been dealt an injury blow in attack.
They will have to manage without striker Adam Hlozek, who injured his left ankle in the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 win away to Union Berlin.
