Alonso ahead of #B04M05: Mainz with 'new coach who brings new motivation'

"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."

Alonso on Amiri: "I've enjoyed the time"

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."

Alonso on his future as coach

Asked about the discussions on his future, Alonso said: "I've nothing new to say about the future. These questions are normal."

BayArena sold out for Mainz game

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."