Alonso and Bakker highlight patience as key to Leverkusen's win over Union
BayArena (Leverkusen) – Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso and left-back Mitchel Bakker highlighted patience as a key factor behind Sunday's 5-0 victory over Union Berlin.
Bayer Leverkusen returned to winning ways in impressive style with a crushing 5-0 victory over high-flying Union Berlin at BayArena today, putting an end to a streak of six competitive games without a win.
After a goalless and frustrating first half for the home side, it wasn't until after the break that Leverkusen managed to run away with the game, but head coach Xabi Alonso insisted he didn't say any "magic words" at half-time.
"I told the players that needed to remain patient and concentrated because just one mistake from the opponent could be very important for us. It was important that we scored a goal so early in the second half. We showed more energy, and the goal gave us more room to play ourselves in good positions," Alonso said at a press conference after the game, which was attended by Bulinews.com.
After racking up a goal and an assist, Mitchel Bakker spoke in the same vein as his coach.
"It feels great because we haven't been in the best form," Bakker said in a post-match interview.
"Union did very well at first, and we couldn't get through. The coach told us to stay patient and that's what we did," he added.
'Die Werkself' are now looking to round off 2022 in style before the World Cup awaits, and Alonso believes the break will do his team good.
"The winter break will be very good for us. I feel like everything has been a rollercoaster since I came here," said Alonso, who replaced Gerardo Seoane as Leverkusen coach a month ago.
"We haven't had much time to get to know each other. This is almost going to feel like a winter break. I'm sure the time will be pretty useful for us, not least because we're getting some important players back. Now it's in our hands if we finish off the year with a good feeling or not," noted the Spaniard.