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In response to the question of to what extent Xabi Alonso is aware of the explosive nature of the derby against Köln, the Spanish coach answered without hesitating: "I knew the significance of this match for the team, the club and the fans from the first day."
The 40-year-old, for whom this will be the first clash with FC Köln as head coach at Bayer 04, highlighted the positive that many of his players have plenty of derby experience: "We are expecting an opponent with lots of energy and good support from the fans. It's something special and we need emotional stability for this game."
A win at the Rheinenergie Stadium would see the Werkself build on the 5-0 victory over Union Berlin. "Winning against Union is no good to us if we don't follow up that performance in Cologne," said Alonso. "We were well organised defensively in the second half. We have to build on that and that will lead automatically to a better attacking game."
The Werkself continue to be without the services of Sardar Azmoun and Florian Wirtz, with Alonso saying it is "still too early" for his return. There are question marks over recent absentees Charles Aránguiz (calf) and Patrik Schick (groin).
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The Ivory Coast international Odilon Kossounou has completed the move from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to top-flight Italian club Atalanta. The Champions League participants from Lombardy took up the option to buy the 1.91 metre central defender who went out on loan to Atalanta at the start of the 2024/25 season.
Show moreCalling all Werkself fans: The new Farbenstadt range is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt. This includes new T-shirts made of 100% organic cotton, zip-up hoodies and jogging bottoms in five different summer colours.
Show moreBayer 04 new signing Carlotta Wamser has been called up to the Germany squad for the Women's EURO 2025 finals in Switzerland. For the 21-year-old winger, who is set to join Bayer 04 from Eintracht Frankfurt for next season, it is the first participation in a big international tournament.
Show moreWelcome to Leverkusen, Axel Tape! Bayer 04 have signed the 17-year-old defensive player on a free transfer from Champions League winners and French league and cup winners Paris Saint-Germain. The French U18 international has agreed a long-term contract at Leverkusen. Bayer 04 introduces the new arrival.
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