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“There are still seven games left to go in the league. We want to take the next step towards the title in Berlin,” Alonso stressed on Friday morning. “We have our sights set on big goals in all three competitions but are only taking things one game at a time. Now we have to focus solely on Union Berlin.”
An opponent who have the seventh-best record in the Bundesliga since the mid-point of the season. Alonso said of Union’s strengths: “Obviously the coach and some players are new, but they follow the same ideas of playing. They’re a physically strong and very aggressive team who also play looking to combine. We have to be ready for perhaps not the prettiest game. It’s important to get a good result.”
The return of Victor Boniface after he got half an hour in Wednesday’s 4-0 semi-final win over Fortuna Düsseldorf provides Alonso with further options at centre-forward. “His outing against Düsseldorf was good for him, but he won’t be able to start yet,” the Spaniard confirmed. “We want to help him bit by bit to get that good feeling on the pitch again.” When pressed further, Alonso said of Patrik Schick, Borja Iglesias and Adam Hlozek: “They all have different strengths, do a good job and are hugely important for us.”
The 42-year-old also stressed that no player in his squad is better placed than any other, including in central midfield. “Rob [Andrich] is in good form and knows Union Berlin’s stadium very well. Pala [Exequiel Palacios] is fit again. We have lots of options in every position.”
After progressing to the cup final in a sold-out and atmospheric BayArena against Fortuna, the Werkself can again expect plenty of support at a capacity Stadion an der Alten Försterei, with 2,500 fans making the trip from Leverkusen. Alonso spoke of the supporters having a good feel for knowing what kind of support is needed right now: “Our fans are intelligent and patient. Obviously, we all want to celebrate something big together at the end, but the moment hasn’t come yet. It’s still too early. First, we need to do our job in Berlin.”
On 25 May, the Werkself have the chance to follow up their Bundesliga title by winning the DFB Cup. The many travelling Bayer 04 fan are set to provide the necessary support for the clash against 1. FC Kaiserslautern. So that as many of you as possible can create an unforgettable atmosphere on the day, the Bayer 04 Club is offering travel for all holders of a ticket for the cup final. Supporters without a valid ticket are not entitled to apply for a place on the special train.
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Listen up, Black-and-Red fans: on 24 May, the night before the DFB Cup final between the Werkself and 1. FC Kaiserslautern, Bayer 04 is holding a big club party in the heart of Berlin. Tickets go on sale on Friday 3 May at 12:00 CEST. Full details.
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Like last season, the Werkself visit AS Roma in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League. The first leg kicks off tonight, Thursday 2 May, at 21:00 CEST. All the key info on the clash at the Stadio Olimpico is in the Matchday News.
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The Werkself are back in the Eternal City with the UEFA Europa League final once again in their sights. It was a year ago that they lost the semi-final first leg here 1-0 and subsequently missed out on the showpiece. Now Xabi Alonso’s side again face Roma with a chance to put that right, starting with Thursday’s first leg (kick-off at 9pm CEST). Ahead of the game, Alonso and former Roma man Patrik Schick spoke at the press conference about a change of approach and the opposition’s new coach.
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