Alonso ahead of #FCUB04: ‘Fans will push both teams to the limit'

"We still have five Bundesliga games to play. The whole of May, beginning with the game against Union Berlin, will be the most important phase of the season for us," declared Alonso at the start of the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. The Spaniard has prepared his team intensively for the forthcoming opponents: "We have primarily used the time to recover well. In addition, we worked through a lot again, looked at different ideas because we won't have time for that in the forthcoming double fixture weeks."

Alonso: "TEAM And Fans in Berlin ARE UNITED"

The 41-year-old coach described Union as a "top opponent": "They are deservedly in third place. We can expect a very tough and, above all, intense encounter. They have a very physical style of play. The coach and players together have a strong mentality."

The Spaniard is also impressed by the atmosphere at the An der Alten Försterei Stadium where the hosts have not been beaten in 20 home games: "It's a great venue. It will be difficult to beat them at home but we are well prepared," said Alonso before adding: "I've never played there myself but you can see that the relationship between fans and team is very special and they are united. The fans will push both teams to the limit."

Wirtz and Tapsoba return to squad

Alonso has nearly a full squad to choose from the game in Berlin. Florian Wirtz (stomach problems) plus Edmond Tapsoba (muscular problems) are available again. The Spaniard will have to manage without Nadiem Amiri (one-match ban) as well as striker Patrik Schick and midfielder Exequiel Palacios, who will not travel to the capital due to a thigh problem.

Alonso found words of praise in answer to a question about the boss in defence Jonathan Tah: "At the moment, he’s playing with a lot of confidence, has a good mentality and is a leader. He's in a very good phase as are nearly all of our players at the moment. I'm really happy about that."

In the game against Union, Tapsoba and Jeremie Frimpong are in danger of being suspended for the home derby against FC Köln on the next matchday as they both have four yellow cards. Coaches, unlike players, are suspended in the Bundesliga after four yellow cards: That means Alonso with three has to be careful in the game against Union Berlin.

strong support again: 2,500 Fans in Berlin 

2,500 Leverkusen fans are expected to make their way to the capital to support the Werkself in the game against the Irons. Over the whole 2022/23 season, the Alonso team have been able to count on an average of 2,000 Bayer 04 fans at their away games. The club is grateful for this fantastic support.