Xabi Alonso has said Bayer Leverkusen’s heavy defeat to Arsenal is a wake up call for the Bundesliga champions.
The Gunners continued their preparation ahead of the new campaign with a comfortable 4-1 win against Leverkusen at the Emirates.
Goals from Oleksandr Zinchenko, Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sealed the win for Mikel Arteta’s men.
Adam Hlozek pulled a goal back for the reigning Bundesliga champions which only served as a consolation.
Speaking after the game, Alonso said his side did not play up to their standard.
“It’s a wake up call for us in our preparations,” he was quoted on X. “That was far below our standards and from where we want to be”
Leverkusen would hope to bounce back from the disappointing loss when they will face LaLiga side Real Betis.
Leverkusen landed a first-ever league title as they went unbeaten throughout the season.
They also added the DFB-Pokal to the league title but lost 3-0 to Atalanta in the Europa League final thanks to Ademola Lookman’s hat-trick.
