Xabi Alonso admits Leverkusen deserved to lose to Bielefeld: “Almost nothing worked”

Speaking after Bayer Leverkusen’s disappointing DFB-Pokal semi-final defeat, Xabi Alonso admitted that Arminia Bielefeld deserved to win.

Bayer Leverkusen sensationally crashed out of the DFB-Pokal on Tuesday, losing 2-1 to third-tier side Arminia Bielefeld in the semi-final.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Bayer 04 coach Xabi Alonso admitted his side didn’t deserve to go through.

“Congratulations to Bielefeld for the deserved win and the place in the final in Berlin,” said Xabi Alonso. 

“Of course, we are disappointed. We had great hopes today but we didn’t play well. Almost nothing worked. We lacked quality and energy as a group. The consequence is a poor result and a poor game. We have to analyse that as soon as we can. 

“Defeats are an important part of development. The team and the club are fundamentally on the right path said today perhaps isn’t a low point. Nevertheless, it really hurts.”

Alonso and Leverkusen will look to return to winning ways when they travel to Heidenheim in the Bundesliga on Saturday.