Alonso ahead of #ATAB04: 'Huge excitement for tomorrow'

At Tuesday evening's pre-match press conference in the media center at the Dublin Arena, head coach Alonso said: "Our full focus is on tomorrow's match. We've prepared well and are confident that we'll perform as we have done so far this season."

For the Spaniard, it's a first final in a European competition as coach, having played in three UEFA Champions League finals as a player. "I'm still a very young coach," said Alonso. "My time in Leverkusen so far has been an intense and wonderful experience. I played under a lot of good coaches and learned from all of them. Right now I'm learning a lot from my players. We all work together and try every day to make each other better. We've done a lot right in this season, in terms of the squad, the style of play and the team spirit in the group. I feel huge excitement for tomorrow but as soon as the ball is rolling, the responsibility is on the players."

Tah: 'enjoying it to the fullest'

Tomorrow's final in the Irish capital is Leverkusen's first in a major European competition for over 20 years. Jonathan Tah stressed: "The excitement is also very great for us. We sense the special atmosphere before a final like this and that there's a special focus on this game. Many of us have never experienced anything like this. We can't wait." The centre-back added: "I'm enjoying being here and experiencing such a season. It's not often that you win the league and can still win two more titles. I'm really enjoying it to the fullest."

The big defender still clearly recalls the last encounter with Atalanta. In the 2021/22 Europa League round of 16, the Werkself were knocked out by the Bergamo club. "They play with a lot of intensity and aggression," explained Tah. "We had problems at that time, but we've grown since then and made a lot of progress as a team."

Xhaka: 'will go to our limits'

Granit Xhaka, meanwhile, pointed out: "There are no underdogs tomorrow. Atalanta have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Marseille, which is impressive. But we're playing the final to win it. We'll go to our limits and do everything to bring the trophy to Leverkusen." For Xhaka, it's the second Europa League final of his career. "I lost the first, but there's always a second chance," added the 31-year-old.

everyone available, kovar in goal

Alonso has a fully fit squad for tomorrow's clash. The Spaniard also confirmed that Matej Kovar will start in goal.

Regarding the opponents' personnel, Alonso said: "They have very good players, be it [Teun] Koopmeiners, [Ademola] Lookman or [Gianluca] Scamacca. Their coach [Gian Piero Gasperini] always has a clear idea of how to play, too. It'll be an honour for me to meet him tomorrow. They know exactly what they want and they've been very succesful that way in Italy and Europe." Since Gasperini took charge in 2016, Atalanta have played in the Champions League three times and Europa League three times. Alonso knows exactly what's required tomorrow: "We have big respect for Atalanta. We need to play with control and use the spaces they give us. We don't just have one way of playing. We can vary, which is also a reason for the success this season." 

12,000 Fans in Dublin

The Werkself will be cheered on by around 12,000 supporters for this crucial match. "It's going to be a nice game in a great stadium tomorrow," Alonso added. "Our fans will enjoy the day and certainly create a good atmosphere in the evening."