Xabi Alonso unbothered by absence of key African players for Afcon 2023

By Saheed Afolabi

The head coach of Bayer Leverkusen, Xabi Alonso has revealed he isn’t bothered over the departure of key players to the 2023 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria duo of Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella is among five African players that will depart Leverkusen for the one month continental showpiece.

Alonso said he’s not threatened with the likely absence of his key players for the mundial but believes it will provide room for other players to play.

“That’s the game calendar,” Alonso was quoted by Kicker.

“We are losing some players, but we have seen that all players can play. We will decide so that we have a competitive team.

“I’m not crying. I’m not a victim. We have enough players.”

Bayer Leverkusen continued their dominance in the Bundesliga to wrap up an emphatic 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt on Sunday, December 17.

Die Schwarzroten (The Black and Reds) top the table with 39 points from 15 matches and will trade tackles with visiting VFL Bochum on Wednesday, December 20.