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.

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.

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.

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

Frauen beenden Saison nach Niederlage gegen Bremen auf Platz fünf | 26. Spieltag

Werkself-TV - 17.05.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen on the 26th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Niederlage zum Saisonabschluss für die Werkself

Women - 17.05.2026

Bayer 04 Women finish season in fifth after defeat to Bremen

Bayer 04 Women have finished in fifth place after the best Bundesliga season in the club's history in terms of points. Roberto Pätzold's side went down 3-1 at home to SV Werder Bremen on the final matchday. With 46 points and 15 wins, they've bettered the previous record campaign of 2024/25. Despite periods of pressure, Cornelia Kramer's 73rd-minute strike was not enough at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, and the Werkself miss out on European qualification despite a strong end to the season.

Women - 17.05.2026

Bayer 04 agree contract extension with U23 international Sofie Zdebel ahead of schedule

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed a conract extension with home-grown talent Sofie Zdebel by a further year ahead of schedule. The 21-year-old Germany U23 international will stay at the club until 30 June 2028.

Bundesliga - 17.05.2026

Werkself review #B04HSV: ‘Small details that make the difference at this level’

After the final whistle in the home match against Hamburger SV, it showed once again that the Bayer 04 community sticks together. The team thanked the fans for their great support in a season with highs and lows and a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga. The Black and Reds will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season. The last Werkself review in 2025/26 has all the analysis.

Bundesliga - 16.05.2026

Werkself finish Bundesliga in sixth place after 1-1 draw with Hamburg

Bayer 04 could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Hamburg in the final game of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season as they finish in sixth place and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Patrik Schick missed a first-half penalty before Fabio Vieira put the visitors ahead on the hour. Jarell Quansah’s deflected header in the 79th minute earned a point to finish the campaign.