Xabi Alonso reveals his '1000 IQ' tactical detail that has helped Bayer Leverkusen achieve record-breaking run

Xabi Alonso has opened up about a small tactical detail that has helped his Bayer Leverkusen produce a record-breaking season.

Bayer Leverkusen have undoubtedly been the story of the season, clinching some historic achievements and playing thrilling football along the way.

Alonso guided his side to a first-ever Bundesliga title, obliterating their rivals and ending Bayern Munich's 11-year stranglehold on the league.

Leverkusen are remarkably still unbeaten in all competitions this term, and on Thursday broke a European record by drawing 2-2 with AS Roma to extend their unbeaten run to 49 matches.

Leverkusen have played exceptionally well all season, although they have bailed themselves out with late goals on more than one occasion.

This season Die Werkself have scored 17 goals in the 90th minute or later, a return that proves their never-say-die attitude and incredible fitness.

However, a smart tactical decision taken by Alonso might have played its part.

Next up for Leverkusen - Bochum away, the scene of their last defeat.

Last weekend, I tried to find out why Xabi Alonso likes switching sides with home teams when they are away. It wasn’t easy. 😅

“Who told you that?” @ESPNFC https://t.co/XqSOsU0uVo pic.twitter.com/ldScMyUVzc

— Archie Rhind-Tutt (@archiert1) May 10, 2024

Ahead of Leverkusen's 5-1 win at Eintracht Frankfurt last Sunday, ESPN Bundesliga reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt asked Alonso about a decision his captain, Lukas Hradecky, keeps making.

Rhind-Tutt explained that in 10 of their previous 12 away matches, Leverkusen had chosen to have the home team shooting away from the home hardcore supporters (or ultras) during the second half.

Many clubs choose to shoot towards their most vocal supporters in the second half to give themselves extra motivation.

Shooting in the opposite direction, and not having that added support, might have helped Leverkusen to overcome teams late in matches on so many occasions.

Which way a team shoots is decided by the captain during the coin toss, as is who kicks off.

When asked to explain the trend, Alonso simply said: "Lukas [Hradecky] is wise enough to know what to do."

When Rhind-Tutt pushed for a proprt answer, the Spanish coach added: "We have our reasons, we can't explain everything but there is always a reason for many small details that you try to do.

"When you can decide, it is better to take your own decisions that [dictate] what the opponent is doing."

Having already won the Bundesliga, Leverkusen will complete a historic treble if they beat Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League final on May 22 and Kaiserslautern in the DFB Pokal final on May 25.