Back
18.03.2023Bayer 04

Alonso ahead of game against former club FC Bayern: ‘The time there had a great influence on me’

As the Werkself head coach, Xabi Alonso faces his first Bundesliga match against his former club Bayern Munich. The Spanish coach spent his final three years as a player at the German record champions. He won five titles during his time at FCB from 2014 to 2017. Now, six years later, there is a reunion – this time as the Bayer 04 head coach. Alonso’s Werkself entertain Bayern in front of a full house at the BayArena on Sunday 19 March (kick-off: 17.30 CET). Ahead of the game, the 2010 World Cup winner talked about the match, the reunion with old friends and explained the role of the years at FC Bayern in his return to the Bundesliga as a coach.
crop_20230315_JS_FTC_B04_MD1_0792.jpg

Xabi, you’re up against Bayern Munich for the first time as a coach on Sunday, the club you played at for three years?

Alonso: I have great memories of my time in Munich. It will be great to meet up with old friends and acquaintances but I’m fully focused on the game.

Is there something special about your time at Bayern as a player that you particularly like to look back on?

Alonso: I like to remember the years in Munich. It was a special time from the first to the last day. My farewell as professional football player happened there and it was something special for us all. The memories are very positive.

 

crop_imago0019641521h.jpg

You played alongside some of the current players. Does that make it easier to prepare for Sunday’s game?

Alonso: No. They are all brilliant top players and they are in a strong phase at the moment. I do know them but that doesn’t make it easier. Our aim is to stop their players and make the game as difficult as possible for our opponents.

Can you give the players some tips about the crucial points in playing Bayern?

Alonso: Yes, of course I can do that, but it’s always easier to say these things than to do them. We will do our best.

Joshua Kimmich is playing in your former position. Do you see similarities between you and him?

Alonso: In terms of position, yes. When I saw Joshua for the first time, I knew he had a great future just based on his style of play, his personality and his character. He has developed really well. His passes are special, the way he distributes the ball as well as his vision on the pitch. I like the way he plays. He’s a super player in the way he presents himself.

 

crop_20230224_JS_Training_0112.jpg

 

What was the main reason for you to accept a job as a coach in the Bundesliga?

Alonso: That has to do with my experience as a player in the Bundesligas and the final years I spent at FC Bayern. The time had a great influence on me. I knew it would be a good step for me in my coaching career and I’m very happy at Leverkusen.

What do you think is possible at Bayer 04 Leverkusen this season?

Alonso: A lot is possible. It’s down to us. We always expect the best from ourselves. We want to improve every day in the Bundesliga and in the Europa League.

 

Related News

Begegnungslogo
Bayer 04 - 02.07.2025

Tickets for the friendly at Chelsea

The Werkself are away to Premier League club Chelsea in the final pre-season friendly. The game against the current holders of the UEFA Conference League is on Friday, 8 August at Stamford Bridge with the kick-off at 20:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.

Show more
Begegnungslogo
Bayer 04 - 02.07.2025

Tickets for the friendly at Fortuna Sittard

The Werkself are away to Dutch top-flight club Fortuna Sittard in the third pre-season friendly. The match is on Friday, 1 August at the Fortuna Sittard stadium with the kick-off at 19:00 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.

Show more
Begegnungslogo
Bayer 04 - 02.07.2025

Tickets for the friendly at VfL Bochum

The Werkself are away to VfL Bochum in the second pre-season friendly. The match is on Sunday, 27 July at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion with the kick-off at 18:00 CEST. Read on for the latest information on ticket sales.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 02.07.2025

U21 Euros winner Jarell Quansah joins Bayer 04 from Liverpool

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have signed the England U21 international and European champion Jarell Quansah. The central defender joins Leverkusen from Premier League champions Liverpool on a contract to 30 June 2030.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 01.07.2025

New chapter – same fire: Bayer 04 and New Balance present 2025/26 home jersey

A striking look and innovative design as an expression of a forward-looking partnership: With the official presentation of the current home jersey, Bayer 04 Leverkusen and sports equipment manufacturer New Balance start a new era in tandem. For the first partnership with a professional German club, the American company from Boston, Massachusetts has developed a creative new interpretation of the Leverkusen club colours. A row of red lines, made up of slender crosses, merges into a black background. Inspired by the world famous Bayer Cross, the jersey is a symbol of a new beginning without forgetting historical roots.

Show more