Derby Pressure Mounts as Leverkusen Faces Cologne in Neighborhood Duel

For Leverkusen it is simply the derby – for Cologne it is supposedly “just” a neighborhood duel. But: With their statements, those responsible for FC are still in derby mode.

Cologne lost eight points behind in 15th place.

Derby pressure at FC?

Squad manager Thomas Kesser (38) pushes this card to leaders Bayer: “The whole of football Germany is looking at Leverkusen. As an external observer, this is a must-win for them.”

The role of favorite before the derby in Müngersdorf (Sunday, 3:30 p.m., here in the live ticker) has not been more clearly distributed for years.

Friday, shortly after 11 a.m.: Kessler sends a “greeting” from Geißbockheim over to the BayArena: “The Werkself are favorites for two big titles (championship and DFB Cup; editor). As of today, they have to win both titles. This is now on the silver platter in front of the bed. Every morning when the players get up they know there are two big titles, maybe a third.”

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Friday, 1:40 p.m.: BILD confronts Xabi Alonso (42) with Kessler’s statement that Bayer must win two titles.

Alonso laughs, an emotional outburst by his standards. “Oh,” says the Spaniard and adds with a smile: “That’s a lot of pressure.”

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As usual, Alonso continued: “We are very clear in our heads.” Regarding FC, he said: “I don’t want to comment on Cologne’s situation. There are still 33 points, anything can happen. In the championship and relegation battle.”

No head games, no taunts against the opponent. Just Alonso.

Cologne’s Kessler also praises his style – but with a tip against Bayer: “With Xabi Alonso, they succeed with a coach who manages to embody success with a high level of sympathy. Except for the best days under Rudi Völler under the Bayer Cross, that actually didn’t happen.”

Let’s see who praises whom Sunday after the game…

Shocking scene in the middle of the gameFan throws corkscrew at first division professional!

Source: BILD/Twitter(X)/YouTube01.03.2024

2024-03-01 22:54:18
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