Erich Ribbeck (86), which gave the Bayer Leverkusen his only title so far (the UEFA Cup in 1988), he wrote an unusual and impressive letter to Xabi Alonso published in ‘Bild’. In it, the former German coach, based in Tenerife, thanks him for his work and raises to the highest level the new title that the German team, which is one step away from the Bundesliga, is close to win
“Dear Xabi Alonso! First of all, as a fellow coach older than you, I want you to allow me to call you. Xabi, you are on the verge of historic success with your amazing team and coaching staff. I am very happy that my former club, Bayer 04 Leverkusen, will soon celebrate its first German championship. We won the UEFA Cup in 1988, which made us famous in Europe at the time. The first title marked a milestone in the history of Bayer 04“.
And it continues: “36 years have passed since then. The world of football has changed completely in a long time. Soccer has become a different sport. Leverkusen’s great desire to win the first championship remained all these years. This championship title in 2024 is undoubtedly more important than our European Cup success then. This is an extraordinary achievement for a whole season and I warmly congratulate you as a coach, as well as the entire management of the club.
No group deserves it. “I’m very happy with how you performed and I think it’s realistic to finish the season undefeated.”
And he finished saying: “But what makes me even happier is the fact that you will continue to coach Leverkusen. You certainly had several options to leave Bayer 04, but you preferred to continue with your team. You are a rare exception these days. I like the way you interact with your fellow coaches, you are authentic. And I think your players will get it too. I wish you for your future that you continue your path with so much success. But I have no doubt about it.
Sincerely, Erich Ribbeck.”
Source: La Verdad
I’m Rose Herman and I work as an author for Today Times Live. My expertise lies in writing about sports, a passion of mine that has been with me since childhood. As part of my job, I provide comprehensive coverage on everything from football to tennis to golf.
