Xabi Alonso is covered in beer as his jubilant Bayer Leverkusen players gate-crash his post-match press conference following the club’s first Bundesliga title success
- Xabi Alonso was dunked in beer by his jubilant Bayer Leverkusen players
- Leverkusen won its first Bundesliga title after a 5-0 defeat to Werder Bremen
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Xabi Alonso drowned in beer as his Bayer Leverkusen players disrupted his post-match press conference after being crowned Bundesliga champions for the first time in their history.
Alonso was in the middle of the response when the press room door at the BayArena burst open to reveal several of his players, chanting “champions” as they doused their manager in alcohol.
The Spaniard joined in the celebrations and singing before returning to the questions after his jubilant players left the room.
The 42-year-old said he was incredibly proud to have led the club to its first ever league title in his first full season in charge.
“This is a very special moment for the club,” Alonso said.
Xabi Alonso was dunked in beer by his Bayer Leverkusen players during his press conference
The celebrations took place after Alonso guided Bayer to their first ever Bundesliga title
Alonso joined in the festivities and sang along with his merry players
Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga title was confirmed after the 5-0 win against Werder Bremen
‘After 120 years, it is something extraordinary to win the Bundesliga for the first time. The players really performed, they were a top team together. I’m so proud of them all. For me it is an honor to work here.
‘Finally we can say that Bayer Leverkusen are German champions. It is a huge honor for all of us.
‘It is fully deserved by the team, by the club, by the fans. Everyone, all departments, worked and fought for this title, so we are the result of that hard work over many years.
‘This is a moment to enjoy and a great success for this club. The first title is always special for everyone. So to be part of this history feels incredible.”
Leverkusen is now unbeaten in 43 games this season, has reached the final of the German Cup and is still in the Europa League.
“Tomorrow we will celebrate,” said Alonso. ‘We have the Europa League and the cup. And we still haven’t lost the Bundesliga, so that could be great [to go unbeaten].’
Alonso, who committed his future to Leverkusen for at least one more season despite interest from Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, admitted that he did not expect this season to go so well.
Alonso continued his press conference after the festivities had taken place
‘I had no doubts about it [coming to Leverkusen] could be a great step in my new career as it was my first station as a coach.
“Last year helped me a lot, to get into a difficult situation, to prove so many things. It was a great first experience, I hoped the second year would be better. I wasn’t expecting that good, but I was happy that it was so good.’