The 48-year-old elegant man played for Leverkusen at the beginning of the millennium, he also contributed to the dream run of an unknown club from an industrial city to the Champions League final.
In the first part of a comprehensive interview for Sport.cz, the former defender recalled, compared and engagingly told about the unusual pilgrimage, which was stopped by an endlessly operated knee and a tick.
Now he analyzes selected names writing the historic season of Leverkusen, from which the whole of Europe is in awe. They are talking about the trio of Czechs or Xabi Alonso, whose coaching services were interested in the most famous clubs. “I was not surprised that Xabi extended in Leverkusen,” claims Sebescen.
I had the opportunity to know him already as a very intelligent football player. I adored him on the field. Under his leadership, Leverkusen’s performances looked beautiful, but we still have to remember that Xabi completed his first full season in the Bundesliga. He is a responsible coach who does not fly in the clouds, but stays with his feet on the ground.
In Leverkusen, he wants to check and prove to himself that he can repeat a similar season. He put together players who are not the best in the Bundesliga, but together they play the best football. He has 100% confidence in the club. Why change it? In addition, he has made enough money as a player in his career, so he has no reason to leave for a few million euros more. I believe he still wants to grow and improve. He is still a young coach.
True, 42 years is no age for a coach.
If I had to recommend something to Xabi, I would say to him: Stay for a year or two. You will see that one day he will get the opportunity to coach the best clubs in the world. But in the fall, the Champions League awaits him in Leverkusen. It’s good that they try it.
Can Leverkusen be even better and stronger next season?
Good question. If they can keep the player, it could be. I know the mindset of the club and Xabi. I know he wouldn’t have extended his contract if he wasn’t sure the core of the team would be maintained. An offer of one hundred million euros for a player like Wirtz is enough for Leverkusen, but the question is whether they would still try to keep him this summer. I think they will want to prepare the team very well for the Champions League.
How do you see the future of Czech footballers in the team?
I can tell you enough about Patrik Schick, who played a very important role this season. In the previous season, he was very unlucky with injuries. He languished for a long time, but before that he was Leverkusen’s best finisher.
This changed after the arrival of competitors.
In the season, he was surpassed by other attackers, but they were also hampered by problems. Even thanks to that, Patrik returned to the lineup faster. But beware, it was no coincidence that he immediately started to assert himself and score important goals. I believe he is very necessary for the team. I just don’t know if it will be enough for the basic lineup in the long term.
Would Schick tolerate the bench?
I don’t know his nature. Each person absorbs differently when they spend the matches more in rotation. On the other hand, I think that there are not many better competitions than the Bundesliga. I don’t think he will find a reason to leave.
Adam Hložek often sits on the bench, and there is also speculation about the interest of foreign clubs.
I’ll admit that I wouldn’t want to rate him because he hasn’t played that many games. I know you want to ask about goalkeeper Kovař as well, so you know what? The next time we meet, I will thoroughly study all the Czech players (laughs).
Okay, I’ll ask Matěj Kovář another question: Do you think that the Finn Lukáš Hradecký will be the number one in the Bundesliga next season as well?
I assume that this will not change next season. He is the captain, the club has no reason to retire him. Kovář’s question is whether he can wait. It may still take two or three years. But if he shows patience, he will be number one. From the club’s point of view, it’s great now. They must be happy to have two top goalkeepers with top performance in the cabin.
2024-05-22 13:48:02
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