Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
"The final pre-match training session is behind us and we are well prepared for tomorrow's game. We have nearly all the players on board with very good energy and mood," said Alonso at the pre-match press conference. The Spaniard is expecting an "intense game" on Friday night.
Alonso also shared his views on the new head coach Bo Henriksen, who is the third FSV coach this season following on from Bo Svensson and Jan Siewert: "They have a new coach, he brings new motivation. His teams always play with high energy, which you could see in Zürich (FC Zürich, ed) and also against Augsburg." Mainz secured a 1-0 victory against FC Augsburg last weekend and it was the first win in twelve games and only the second three pointer this season."
Nadiem Amiri, who joined FSV Mainz from Bayer 04 at the end of January, made his fourth start for his new club in Augsburg. Alonso on tomorrow's reunion: "I enjoyed the time with Nadiem. It was a difficult situation for him here recently but, nevertheless, he was always very important for us. He had a good attitude. In the end, he wanted the move and we obviously respected that."
Mainz are currently 17th in the table on 15 points. The Werkself are top with an eight-point lead over Bayern Munich. Alonso does not see a change mentality in his team given that advantage in points: "I don't see any change in the team's focus. To be honest, it’s been a really normal week." The Spaniard added: "I don't look at the table but I know what we are aiming for. First of all, we want to end February successfully with a victory against Mainz. Last year we lost at home. We don't want that to happen again."
Asked about the discussions on his future, Alonso said: "I've nothing new to say about the future. These questions are normal."
30,210 fans will be at the game on Friday night, including 2,000 from Mainz. For the game against FSV, Alonso will still have to manage without the injured Victor Boniface, Arthur and Exequiel Palacios. Alonso provided an update on the Argentinian: "Pala has trained well but we don't want to take any risks. The aim is for him to be available against Köln."
The second friendly and the first goal for the Bayer 04 Women: The Werkself just missed out on their first win in the preseason away to top-flight Dutch side PEC Zwolle. The team led by coach Roberto Pätzold drew 1-1 on Friday afternoon in Wezep. As with the friendly against TSG Hoffenheim (0-2) a number of first-team players were absent. The coach once again shared out time on the pitch for the 20-player squad. The goal of the match was scored by summer signing Vanessa Fudalla (67').
Show more
Continuity under the Cross: After the successful season in 2024/25 with reaching the final of the VBL Club Championship, the two Leverkusen e-sports players Marc and Sean Landwehr have extended their contracts at Bayer 04 by an additional two years. Marc is thereby in his sixth year and Sean in his third year with the Werkself. Together with e-talent Marcus Hüttemann, who has also extended his stay at Bayer 04 Bayer year, completes the current squad for the 2025/26 season.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed centre forward Christian Kofane. The 18-year-old Cameroonian joins Leverkusen from Spanish second tier club Albacete on a contract to 30 June 2029.
Show more
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will wear the new away kit for the 2025/26 season at the start of the training camp in Brazil. In conscious contrast to the international aspect of this year's training camp in Rio de Janeiro, kit supplier New Balance has designed a jersey for the Werkself players and all other Bayer 04 teams with distinct links to home.
Show more
