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26.05.2023Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #BOCB04: ‘Every action important – for the game and our future'

A tough challenge on the home straight: The Werkself are away to VfL Bochum on the final matchday in the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign. The kick-off at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion – as at all other stadiums – on Saturday 27 May is at 15.30 CEST. For the team under head coach Xabi Alonso, the aim is to hold on to sixth place to qualify for Europe. The hosts from Bochum are looking to ensure their top-flight status. Head coach Xabi Alonso is expecting an "intense atmosphere" for this significant encounter.

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"We saw last Sunday what happens if you relax too early. Therefore, I'm certain we will play with the right mentality," said the Spaniard looking back at the 2-2 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach before warning: "Every action will be important – for the game and our future."

Alonso: "we expect lots of duels"

For the game against VfL Bochum, the 41-year-old boss is expecting "lots of duels." Alonso also said that Bochum will "play with high energy." Therefore, it will be a necessity "to defend well first of all."

For the match in Bochum, the head coach will continue to have to manage without Robert Andrich and Odilon Kossounou plus Patrik Schick and Karim Bellarabi. In addition, Kerem Demirbay is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card, Piero Hincapie is serving a three-match ban after being sent off.

3,000 Leverkusen Fans at the game

The Werkself will receive strong support in this crucial season finale from 3,000 travelling fans making the journey to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion to get behind the team.

Alonso rounded off by saying: "We know the great significance of the match. We have been through a development over the last three or four months. It was a process where we wanted to be rewarded with a sixth-place finish. We want to win, that is completely clear – for us, for the fans, for the club."

The possible scenarios for the outcome of the game can be found HERE.

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