DFB Cup: Surprising starting eleven – what is Alonso up to?

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso opts for a supposedly defensive approach in the cup duel with FC Bayern Munich. However, the past proves him right.

Xabi Alonso surprised with his starting line-up before the top duel in the round of 16 of the DFB Cup! The coach of Bayer Leverkusen did not field a nominal striker in the clash with FC Bayern Munich. (FC Bayern Munich – Bayer Leverkusen in SPORT1-live ticker)

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With Florian Wirtz there is only one trained offensive player in the Werkself starting line-up. The lightning-fast Jeremie Frimpong and Alejandro Grimaldo should provide speed on the wings. Behind them there is a real defensive bulwark waiting for Bayern.

Bayern: Neuer – Laimer, Kim, Upamecano, Davies – Kimmich, Goretzka – Sané, Olise, Coman – Musiala

Leverkusen: Kovar – Mukiele, Tah, Tapsoba, Hincapie – Andrich – Frimpong, Palaces, Xhaka, Grimaldo – Wirtz

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Particularly striking: In the last two victories over Bayern, Alonso also started without a real center forward. In the 3-0 win on March 19, 2023, Alonso chose the usual 3-4-3 system, but occupied the position in the offensive center with Wirtz as a false nine. Behind them, the two sprinters Moussa Diaby and Amine Adli set the pace. Adli also took two penalty kicks, both of which Exequiel Palacios converted.

Last season, Alonso started the 3-0 win in the second half of the season in an unfamiliar 4-4-2 system with Adli and Nathan Tella on the offensive – there was talk of a tactical masterpiece afterwards. While Adli is missing on Tuesday evening due to injury, Tella will initially only sit on the bench.

Before kick-off, Alonso was in the ARD asked by moderator Esther Sedlaczek about his obviously very defensive positioning. “The players from the bench can also be important. We want to create fresh moments with substitutions,” replied the coach of the reigning German champions.

On X Many users reacted with surprise at Leverkusen’s defensive approach on paper. The image of a parked bus was chosen again and again. A common term that stands for positioning numerous defensive players on the goal line and prioritizing defensive work first.

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But people also remembered the successful past online. “Not the bus again, but I notice that he wants the same approach as back in 2023 in the BayArena in the second half of the season when they won 3-0. Without a striker with the fast wing players. “Why not,” was the verdict of a Bayer fan. Whether Alonso’s plan with Wirtz as a false nine and the fast wing players will work again will be seen on the pitch.