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19.04.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #BVBB04: “The league isn’t over for us”

Just hours after progressing to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals, Werkself head coach Xabi Alonso turned his attention to the team’s next task as they visit Borussia Dortmund on Sunday (kick-off: 5.30pm CEST). Ahead of the Bayer 04’s first Bundesliga game as champions, the Spaniard spoke from the team’s hotel in London about further goals for this season and facing the Champions League semi-finalists.

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“Obviously the most important thing is that the title is now won,” Alonso stated on Friday morning. “But the Bundesliga isn’t over for us yet, no. We respect the competition and every team. We still have five games left and want to be positive in them.”

The Werkself could also still make history by becoming the first team to end a Bundesliga season unbeaten. Alonso said: “That’s our goal. We obviously want that now it’s only five games away. But it won’t be at all easy.”

Alonso: Dortmund will be “highly motivated”

Leverkusen now also want a result in Dortmund to conclude this busy block of fixtures, which has included the DFB Cup semi-final and the Europa League quarter-final legs. “The past few weeks were intense, but it’s been a successful period for us,” Alonso summarised.

Sunday’s game at the Signal Iduna Park is against one of the four semi-finalists in this season’s Champions League. “Dortmund will be highly motivated after their win against Atletico Madrid. They’ve been generally solid since the winter break and flexible in their play. Also the influence of new signings like [Ian] Maatsen and [Jadon] Sancho has been positive for the team. They have great quality.”

8,000 away fans in Dortmund

Adam Hlozek and Borja Iglesias remain out injured for the game in Dortmund, while Amine Adli serves a one-game suspension for yellow cards. The Werkself can count on the support of around 8,000 fans in a sold-out away section at the Signal Iduna Park.

Bei dem Topspiel in Dortmund fehlen Adam Hlozek und Borja Iglesias nach wie vor verletzt, Amine Adli ist gelbgesperrt nicht dabei. Die Werkself kann auf den Support von knapp 8.000 Fans im ausverkauften Gästeblock des Stadions setzen.

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