Alonso ahead of Augsburg away game: 'Early goal is important'

FC Augsburg have signed seven new players in the winter transfer window, more than any other Bundesliga club. Ask about the many new faces in the FCA squad, Xabi Alonso said: "Of course, the new signings make it more difficult to predict their line-up. But their style of play remains the same: They play with very high intensity and aggression. We know what we'll have to do."

FC Augsburg have lost twice on the road in the league in 2023 (3-4 in Dortmund, 1-3 in Freiburg) but they secured a 1-0 win against Borussia Mönchengladbach at home at the WWK Arena. "They had good energy in the home game against Gladbach," said Alonso. "Tomorrow it will be important to take the lead and to make as few mistakes as possible."

Schick possible – Aránguiz sidelined

Alonso said the match in Augsburg has come too early for Charles Aránguiz, currently working on his own, but it is possible that Patrik Schick may be in the matchday squad. "Patrik trained with the team this week. We’ll see if he will involved tomorrow," explained Alonso ahead of the final pre-match training session in the afternoon.

Alonso on targets: "Only the next game counts"

Xabi Alonso took over the helm at Bayer 04 at the start of October with the club fifteenth in the Bundesliga on eight points from nine games. Under the Spanish coach, the Werkself have picked up twice as many points (16) in the nine following matches. "The first part of the season wasn't easy and now we want to continue to improve," said Alonso. Talking about the potential targets for the season and a final position in a European spot, the 41-year-old said: "We have to be realistic. It will be difficult but we’ll give our all and then see where we end up. It's always important to think about one challenge to the next, and from game to game."

TICKEts available in augsburg

648 away tickets have been sold to Bayer 04 fans. Anyone without a ticket, who wants to support the Werkself at the WWK Arena, can buy tickets for the away section from the Bayer 04 mobile fan shop at the stadium. Please note cash payments only will be accepted.