Xabi Alonsocoach of Bayer Leverkusen, defended the center back this Friday Jonathan Tah because of the Dutch coach’s criticism of him Ronald Koeman after Tuesday’s Nations League match between the Netherlands and Germany (2-2) and said he was “a top player.”
In the press conference before the Bundesliga match at Hoffenheim, Xabi Alonso appreciated Well as a “very important” player for Leverkusen and commented that what he did with the German team during the international break was none of his business.
“I saw him in a good mood”
“I saw him on Wednesday and yesterday, and he’s in a good mood, good feeling,” Xabi Alonso said of Tah, who He recently announced that he will not be extending his contract with Leverkusen, which expires in June 2025, and is one of Barcelona’s targets.
Xabi Alonso emphasized that he is not worried about Tah, because for him it is not expected that his performance in the national team will affect Leverkusen.
Koeman, coach of the Netherlands, criticized Tah at the end of the Nations League match. “He had big problems and a lot of mistakes. After six fouls he finally saw the yellow card,” the Dutch coach scolded him.
Palacios and Frimpong return, doubtful
Strictly regarding Saturday’s match against Hoffenheim, Xabi Alonso announced the return of the Argentine midfielder Exequiel Palacios, recovered from a knee injury, and left the Dutch winger in doubt Jeremie Frimpongwho was not called up for the match against Germany for personal reasons.
“He is ready for action. We took advantage of the national team break to train again with the team. He has made a lot of progress. We will decide after training, but it is very, very good news that Palacios is back with the team, ” commented Xabi Alonso. of the Argentine international.
Of frimpong, For his part, he explained that in recent days “he trained alone”, while this Friday he will do so with the rest of the squad and he has announced that he will travel with the team for Saturday’s clash, although his presence in the eleven has not been specified.
“I haven’t decided yet. I want to wait to train. I want to feel the pulse. I have an idea. There are some positions in which we have to discuss and analyze who will start tomorrow. And I always say: it’s not just about the starting eleven. It’s also important that the players on the bench are ready to have a good impact,” concluded Xabi Alonso.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
