Bayern Leverkusen coach Xavi Alonso emphasized on Friday that despite his team’s significant 13-point lead at the top of the table, it was still premature to discuss the Bundesliga title.
Leverkusen could clinch their first-ever Bundesliga title as early as next week, depending on the results of second-placed reigning champions Bayern Munich.
“In football, anything can happen,” Alonso told reporters, stressing that “it’s still too early.”
“We are in a good position. But we’re not discussing the title but focusing on the next opponent.”
Leverkusen faces Union Berlin away on Saturday, simultaneously with Bayern’s match against mid-table Heidenheim.
Five Games That Would Decide Premiere League Title Race.
Alonso’s team is nearing triumph in an incredible season. On Wednesday, they secured a place in the German Cup final with a 4-0 home victory over Fortuna Duesseldorf, extending their unbeaten streak to 40 games this season.
The Spaniard, who recently expressed his intention to remain at Leverkusen next season despite interest from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, noted that not only are the players focused on the next game, but the fans are also not getting ahead of themselves with the possibility of a treble on the horizon.
In 2002, Leverkusen led the league and reached the finals of the German Cup and Champions League but fell short in all three competitions.
“The fans are wise and can remember what happened in the past. They have patience.
“We want to celebrate when it’s time to celebrate. And now is not the moment to celebrate; it’s the moment to work and prepare.”
Alonso mentioned that striker Victor Boniface, who returned from injury against Duesseldorf on Wednesday, will not start on Saturday.
“He could start, but we’ve decided not to play him from the beginning.
“It was beneficial for him to play around 25 minutes on Wednesday. We want to help him return properly and feel good.
