Back
12.04.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #B04SVW: “Full respect for Bremen, nothing is a given”

Bayer 04 have the chance to be champions for the first time in their history on Sunday if they can beat Werder Bremen at the BayArena (kick-off: 5.30pm CEST). Ahead of the game, head coach Xabi Alonso spoke about how to approach this potentially historic day and the opposition.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

“Obviously there’s this special aspect to the game on Sunday. We have the chance to be champions. But we’re only focusing on the game itself and want to play with our usual quality and mentality,” Alonso stated at his press conference on Friday. The Spaniard added: “We don’t want to think too much about eventualities. We’ll prepare normally for the game. Luckily, it’s not the only chance we have to be champions. But we’re playing at home and want to take our first chance.”

“Prefer to settle it ourselves”

Alonso said of the fact that Bayer 04 could be champions the day before if Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart both lose their games: “That would be a very big surprise. Normally that won’t happen. Honestly, we’d prefer to settle it ourselves on the pitch.”

Werder come to the BayArena on a run of six games without a win. “Bremen are a good opponent. They play with a clear idea. We’ll approach the game with full respect, because nothing is a given. We saw that last season at Dortmund. Our heads are now on Bremen. We’re in a good situation and are focusing fully on Sunday,” Alonso added.

“Fans deserve to celebrate”

There are set to be 30,210 fans, including 3,000 from Bremen, coming to the sold-out BayArena on Sunday. When asked of a potential pitch invasion by supporters, Alonso said: “The most important thing is that the fans can celebrate properly. They deserve that. But we still have a few games left to play on this pitch. We need the pitch still.”

Related News

Frauen unterliegen nach frühem Elfmeter-Treffer der TSG Hoffenheim | 19. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 22.02.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 0-1 loss against TSG Hoffenheim

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 0-1 loss against TSG Hoffenheim on the 19th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more
Loïc Badé gegen den 1. FC Union Berlin
Bayer 04 - 22.02.2026

Muscle injury sidelines Bayer 04 defender Loïc Badé

Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to manage without defender Loïc Badé for the time being. The Frenchman suffered a muscle injury in his right thigh in Saturday’s 1-0 Bundesliga defeat at FC Union Berlin. The diagnosis was the result of an MRI scan this Sunday morning.

Show more
Sondertrikot
Bayer 04 - 22.02.2026

Love that lasts a lifetime. Bayer 04 present special edition jersey marking 50th anniversary of fan clubs Under the Cross

It is an expression of solidarity and a tribute to the unique fan culture Under the Cross: Bayer 04 Leverkusen make a special statement with the "50 Years of Fan Clubs" jersey. To mark the founding of the "First Fan Club 1976 Leverkusen", which was followed by many more over the years right up to the present day, the Bundesliga club is commemorating 50 years of passion with this new jersey. Highs and lows, successes celebrated together as well as defeats suffered are manifested in this piece of white fabric, a symbol of unwavering identification with the Werkself.

Show more
Fanclub-Kultur
Fans - 22.02.2026

With the Cross in our hearts: 50 years of fan club culture

A proud anniversary: 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the first Bayer 04 official fan club. The pioneers of the "First fan club 1976 Leverkusen" still hold their love for the club dear, black and red passion knows no expiry date. Read on to discover the development of organised fan culture at Bayer 04 and where it is practised around the country and the world.

Show more