Victor Boniface’s Bayer Leverkusen could be crowned champions of Germany today for the first time in their 120-year existence, but midfielder Granit Xhaka warned there will not be a big victory party.
Leverkusen, who also parade Super Eagles winger Nathan Tella, will make history on the back of a home win today at the BayArena over Werder Bremen this evening (kick-off 4.30pm in Nigeria).
However, former Arsenal star Xhaka said big celebrations will be on hold because besides a first-ever Bundesliga conquest, Leverkusen are also in serious reckoning for the UEFA Europa League and the German Cup.
Not to talk of the little matter of maintaining an unbeaten record.
They are so far unbeaten in 42 matches.
“Many Bayer fans hope that we can stand here on Sunday and celebrate a little. But there is not too much to celebrate because it continues,” warned Xhaka.
“We have the game in London (vs West Ham, Europa League quarterfinal) on Thursday. Hopefully we will do it sure on Sunday, but the celebration won’t happen until the end of the season.”
There will also no public viewing of today’s match in the city centre for fans who could not make it to the stadium as is the usual practice.
Officials will also be holding their breath that the fans will not run on to the pitch in spontaneous celebrations and ruin it. The hybrid pitch cost the club a whopping Million Euros.
🎉🏆 Excitement builds as Bayer Leverkusen aims for historic Bundesliga title today! 🙌 But midfielder Granit Xhaka warns against premature celebrations, citing upcoming matches and the unbeaten record. #BayerLeverkusen #Bundesliga