Sat Oct 05 16:38:38 UTC 2024: ## Leverkusen Aims for Positive International Break With Kiel Clash

**Leverkusen, Germany** – Bayer Leverkusen will be looking to enter the upcoming international break on a high note as they face newly promoted Holstein Kiel this Saturday. Manager Xabi Alonso’s side is buoyed by a recent UEFA Champions League victory over AC Milan, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against reigning Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich last week.

Alonso, who will be leading Leverkusen in his 100th game, highlighted the importance of their improved defensive performance against Milan and expressed his desire to see that trend continue against Kiel. “If we win, then we will have had a good phase (until the international break),” he said during his pre-match press conference. “It was important that we are defending a bit better than we had been last month.”

Despite their recent high-profile encounters, Alonso believes Leverkusen is well-prepared for the challenge posed by the newly promoted side. “Every league match is tough, and we have learned that this season already,” he said. “We expect the same tomorrow. They (visitors Kiel) only have a point, but deserve a bit more than what they have at the moment.”

Currently sitting in fourth place in the Bundesliga table with 10 points from five matches, Leverkusen is just three points behind league leaders Bayern Munich. The team is confident they can secure a win against Kiel and maintain their momentum going into the international break.

“I expect to see my team to be mature and intelligent,” Alonso concluded. “We have to show that we are fully prepared. My team plays with the same motivation in every game, so I have no reason to doubt them and we will hopefully show it tomorrow.”

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