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"We have the chance of reaching the semi-finals. Of course, there is great anticipation. We are very motivated," declared Xabi Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon. "Tomorrow we want to be focused, intelligent and play with quality and to win we need our best performance and the support of our fans."
The Spaniard was keen to totally blank out the forthcoming Bundesliga big match against Bayern Munich in four days time. "Our focus is now on the next game. That's always the most important thing," said Alonso who does not feel any additional pressure in relation to the clashes with Stuttgart and Bayern. "There's always pressure in professional football. And that's before every game regardless of the opponents and the competition."
On the opponents from Stuttgart, who are currently third in the league, Alonso said: "I like the way they play. Intelligent and flexible. They absolutely deserve to be where they are in the table." The last league match between Bayer 04 and VfB Stuttgart in December of last year ended all square at 1-1. "It was a very intense game. We can learn something from that game and apply it."
In terms of personnel, nobody is ruled out after the physical league encounter in Darmstadt (2-0). Also, Edmond Tapsoba and Amine Adli are ready to play on Tuesday evening following their return from AFCON. In contrast, the cup tie comes too early for Exequiel Palacios even though Alonso believes the Argentinian is "progressing well."
The head coach is giving another start to goalkeeper Matej Kovar who played in the previous two DFB-Pokal ties. Alonso on the Czech keeper: "He showed his great potential last season at Sparta Prague and was impressive here in training from the start. On top of that are his good performances in the DFB-Pokal and the Europa League. He's earned the chance to play again tomorrow."
The DFB-Pokal quarter-final is being shown on the pay-TV broadcaster Sky and on the terrestrial TV channel ARD. Coverage from the BayArena starts on both channels at 20.15 CET. As usual, Werkself Radio will be covering the game from 15 minutes before kick-off.
A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.
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On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.
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Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.
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Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...
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