By using this website you agree that we use cookies. You can find out more in the privacy policy.

Berliner Tageblatt - Alonso jokes about playing return amid Leverkusen injury woes

Berliner Tageblatt
×
NYSE - LSE
RYCEF 0.29% 6.82 $
RIO 1.31% 63.18 $
RBGPF -1.6% 59.24 $
CMSC 0.35% 24.76 $
BCC 7.49% 155.42 $
NGG 0.36% 63.339 $
BCE 0.85% 27 $
VOD 2.25% 8.931 $
SCS 4.15% 13.845 $
CMSD 0.45% 24.57 $
RELX -0.25% 46.635 $
JRI 1.42% 13.4 $
BTI 0.23% 37.465 $
AZN 1.25% 66.46 $
GSK 0.85% 34.25 $
BP -1.14% 29.385 $
Alonso jokes about playing return amid Leverkusen injury woes
Alonso jokes about playing return amid Leverkusen injury woes / Photo: © AFP

Alonso jokes about playing return amid Leverkusen injury woes

SPORTS 25.11.2024

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso joked Monday he may be forced to return to the pitch amid his side's injury crisis "if they give me a player contract".

Text size:

Leverkusen are missing seven regulars, but the damage is particularly acute in attack, where forwards Victor Boniface, Amine Adli, Jonas Hofmann and Martin Terrier are all missing.

Speaking ahead of Tuesday's home clash with Red Bull Salzburg on his 43rd birthday, the former midfielder -- who won several trophies across a glittering playing career with Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich -- toyed with the idea of a return.

"If (Bayer Leverkusen CEO) Fernando Carro gives me a player contract, then maybe," Alonso joked, adding: "I've only got a contract as a coach and I'm not allowed to play."

Last season, Leverkusen won an unbeaten league and cup double, losing just one of 53 games -- the Europa League final against Atalanta.

"What happened last year was not common. We didn't have too many problems (with injury)," said Alonso.

The Spaniard has been forced to dig into the club's junior stocks, calling up four players 18 and under, including the 16-year-old Andrea Natali.

Leverkusen have won two and drawn one of their four Champions League matches and sit 13th in the table, two points off the top eight.

W.Lapointe--BTB

Featured

Ronaldo double takes Al Nassr to brink of Asian Champions League quarters

Ronaldo double takes Al Nassr to brink of Asian Champions League quarters
Alonso jokes about playing return amid Leverkusen injury woes

Alonso jokes about playing return amid Leverkusen injury woes
Bayern need to win all remaining Champions League games, says Kane

Bayern need to win all remaining Champions League games, says Kane
Indian cricketer, 13, youngest to be sold in IPL history

Indian cricketer, 13, youngest to be sold in IPL history