Xabi Alonso wary of Stuttgart's strengths: "Intelligent and flexible"
Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso has spoken highly of VfB Stuttgart ahead of Tuesday's DFB-Pokal quarter-final.
Bayer Leverkusen and VfB Stuttgart go head-to-head in the eagerly anticipated DFB-Pokal quarter-final on Tuesday night.
Leading the Bundesliga and playing at home, Leverkusen are favourites to progress, but head coach Xabi Alonso is taking nothing for granted and is wary of the threat posed by third-placed Stuttgart.
"I like the way they play. Intelligent and flexible. They absolutely deserve to be where they are in the table," said Xabi Alonso at a press conference ahead of the game.
Stuttgart and Leverkusen last met in December in a 1-1 draw.
"It was a very intense game. We can learn something from that game and apply it," said Xabi Alonso.