The Germans have been one of the season’s biggest stories, going 51 games without losing and winning the Bundesliga.
However, their hopes of ending a lengthy wait for European success were crushed on Wednesday night as they lost 3-0 to Italian club Atalanta at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium.
It was their first defeat since May 27 of last year, and while Alonso was pleased of his team’s accomplishments over the last year, he admitted the Europa League final loss was difficult to accept.
“Atalanta were better than us and they deserve the trophy,” said the former Liverpool midfielder.
