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.
A new look and new kit supplier for the 2025/26 campaign: Bayer 04 in tandem with sports equipment manufacturer New Balance present the official kit for the Leverkusen eSports players the coming season. New partner Sinology appears on the top right of the jersey. Menswear outfitters Lerros is still the main eSports sponsor and Niedax remains the sleeve partner. The jersey is available now from the Bayer 04 online shop and the Fanwelt.
Show moreBosnia U19 international Kerim Alajbegovic is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen's youth set-up to Red Bull Salzburg. The talented attacking midfielder has signed a long-term contract with the Austrian club. At the same time, the works club secured a buy-back option for the 17-year-old, who was one of the mainstays of the Leverkusen U19s.
Show morePreparations for the 2025/26 season at Bayer 04 start next Monday, 7 July, with the first team and youth players training together. Without the international players who were involved with their national teams at the end of last season, new head coach Erik ten Hag will welcome a group of senior and youth players to the first open training session one week ahead of the departure to the training camp in Rio de Janeiro. After the official welcome in the dressing room, the Werkself players will start the session in the shadow of the BayArena on 7 July at 14:00 CEST.
Show moreThe 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.
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