Xabi Alonso banishes Leverkusen's unwanted 'Neverkusen' reputation

Leverkusen were cast in the role of nearly men by finishing second on five occasions in the league, while losing three German Cup finals. The German equivalent of "Neverkusen" is "Vizekusen", which translates to "the champions of second place".

With just two major trophies in their history, and none since 1993, some began to wonder if the club was cursed to endure eternal bridesmaid status. Alonso however had other ideas, taking the club to a league title in his first full season in charge, with an historic treble still very much on the horizon for the unbeaten side.

On the final day of the 1999-2000 season, Leverkusen needed just a point against Bavarian minnows Unterhaching, now in the third division, for their first Bundesliga title. However, they lost 2-0 in a match remembered for Michael Ballack's calamitous own goal, allowing Bayern Munich to swoop in for another title after beating Werder Bremen.

Leverkusen's nadir came in 2002 when the club somehow emerged empty-handed despite being five points clear in the league with three games remaining, while also qualifying for the German Cup and Champions League finals. German national team sporting director Rudi Voeller, who held the same position at Leverkusen for the best part of two decades having also played for and coached the club, credits Alonso for silencing the jibes.

"At the very least, nobody will say 'Vizekusen' anymore," Voeller told AFP subsidiary SID and other media on Thursday, revealing "it's something that really angered me over the years." Voeller backed the club to continue on, particularly after Alonso turned down apparent interest from Liverpool and Bayern to stay in Leverkusen.

"Besides winning some titles, it could kick-start an era. Xabi Alonso will