Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi expects 'cautious' Atalanta in Europa League final

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso expects a cagey game against Atalanta in tonight's Europa League final.

Xabi believes La Dea will seek to hit the on the break in Dublin.

“We know that Atalanta have had a very well defined idea of how to play in recent years," Alonso said at his pre-match presser.

“The players know what they have to do on the pitch, and they have gone on to achieve great things. We think we know what to expect from them, but they continue to evolve.

“Every now and then it looks like they have a wait-and-see approach, not always aggressive. We have also faced teams like this in Germany. Tomorrow we need a united performance and a strong team mentality.

“We have a plan, and the players are still buzzing from the atmosphere we experienced on Saturday in Leverkusen."

He added: “My focus is on preparing for the match, not on any other special things. We have played 51 matches and analysed absolutely everything. The players understand every possible situation. It's as if the work has already been done, now it's time to give my all in these next two matches."