Head coach Xabi Alonso calls for same intensity as against Atlético

“Both teams have come through very tiring games. It’s difficult to produce the same intensity as we did against Atlético Madrid but that has to be our aim,” said Alonso.

The Spaniard rates RB Leipzig as a “strong team with strength in depth and high quality,” and he added: “We need a complete performance to get a result – we have to defend well but attacking is equally as important and we want to create chances again.” He also said they want to stick to their own plan.

final training session crucial

The final line-up for the game against RB Leipzig will be decided after today’s training session. Alonso: “We are very optimistic about Patrik Schick, Charles Aránguiz, Exequiel Palacios and Kerem Demirbay but we will have to wait for the final training session. We’ll be happy if we soon have more options with them – above all in the nest few weeks.”

Good news from a Bayer 04 perspective: Florian Wirtz has been able to complete parts of full training and he will be back on the training ground today. “Florian is working very hard and his mentality is good. But we want to be patient as it was a serious injury. I can hardly wait for him to come back but his health is the most important thing and that’s why he needs more time.”

praise for Hlozek and Amiri

Alonso also found words of praise for Adam Hlozek. “I’m very happy with Adam. He has contributed a lot both in attack and defence. He is disciplined, has great tactical knowledge and he has already helped us a lot.” The coach is also impressed by Nadiem Amiri: “In the long week of training ahead of the game against Wolfsburg, he clearly showed he wants to play and he has also earned the chance. That’s great for us because he has a lot of energy.”

871 Black and Red fans will be supporting the Werkself in the stands at RB Leipzig.