Bjelica acts as impromptu Spanish interpreter for Xabi at post-match presser

In a curious scene at the post-match 1. FC Union Berlin-Bayer 04 Leverkusen press conference, FCU trainer Nenad Bjelica was given a chance to act as a Spanish to German language interpreter for Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso. 

After FC Bayern München’s loss to 1. FC Heidenheim left Xabi Alonso’s Bayer 04 Leverkusen 16 points clear of their nearest challengers at the top of the Bundesliga table, the mood at the post-match presser at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei was quite jovial. Respective head-coaches Nenad Bjelica and Xabi Alonso – separated by stadium announcer/head of press relations Christian Arbeit – appeared at a joint press conference.

Bjelica, Arbeit, and Xabi found themselves at the center of a curious scene late in the media event when Bjelica asked if he could interpret a question posed by Spanish language media. Arbeit attempted to turn down the question until Bjelica – who once played in Spain for Albacete, Los Palmas, and Real Betis – offered to step in.

Bjelica interpreted the Spanish journalist’s question (“How do you plan on managing this week after a success today, another [Europa League] fixture on Thursday, and then [another league fixture] next Sunday?”) and then interpreted the Leverkusen trainer’s Spanish reply (“We will prepare in a focused fashion for Thursday and then again for Sunday, when we might have something final [a title] to celebrate.”).

Bjelica proceeded to ask Xabi if he had served as a good translator. The Werkself gaffer answered in the affirmative and even added “He speaks very good Spanish. Better than my German.” Plenty of laughs were shared before Arbeit declared an end to further relay interpretations.

Kuriose PK-Szene: Bjelica wird zu Xabi Alonsos Dolmetscher

In einer amüsanten Szene auf der Pressekonferenz übernahm Union-Trainer Nenad Bjelica den Part des Dolmetschers für eine spanische Frage, die an Xabi Alonso gerichtet war.https://t.co/twAds7smdk

— kicker Fussball (@kickDE) April 6, 2024