Xabi Alonso has indeed made many news media continue to report on him because of his greatness in making positive changes to the Leverkusen club. Even though he failed in the Europa League final, we still see everyone's appreciation for Xabi Alonso. Because that was the only defeat for Leverkusen in the season that just finished.
The real challenge will be in the UCL next season. And Xabi Alonso must be prepared for a stronger level of opponent in the UCL. And if you look at Leverkusen's current quality, Leverkusen's potential in the UCL is actually quite good. At least I'm sure this team will make it to the last 16 in the UCL. And even if they fail to qualify from the group qualifying round, at least this team can return to the European League. But I'm sure Xabi Alonso will take Leverkusen further in the UCL.
It's true, he will have an even bigger challenge next season, besides having to be able to maintain what he has shown this season, he also has to show that they can compete at a higher level such as the Champions League. It is a task that will not be easy for him, but I am sure he will try as hard as he can to bring Leverkusen to achieve something to be proud of in the Champions League.
They don't have to be champions, they can show a charming game that will allow them to talk a lot in the Champions League next season. I think that's more than enough for them. Because we also have to be realistic that it is not easy to become champions in the Champions League, especially if the team doesn't have as much experience as teams that are used to being there.
Any club that is playing in the Champions League knows the task ahead of them and they know that it is always a difficult one since there are big and strong clubs in the competition. Any club that is not strong will not survive the group stage and that is where Xabi Alonso needs to make sure that he survives. That alone will bring more respect to the club.
It is from the knock out stage that matches becomes more difficult because experience will also play its own role. Xabi Alonso still ha e his men with him and he needs an additional player to strengthen the team so that injury or any setback from the players will not be a problem to him. He also needs to improve his game tactics, because any club that will be playing with Leverkusen will want to make sure that they win them to let them know that, it's champions league.