The journalists from CBS Sports, the New York Times, The Guardian, Associated Press and Transfermarkt as well as representatives of the German Football League (DFL) spoke to Spaniard about his start at Leverkusen and his close connection with the Bundesliga. In addition, Xabi Alonso shared insights into his football philosophy, his way of coaching and communication with the players. The 41-year-old also provided an honest assessment of the change of role from player to coach. There was also great enjoyment when the discussion covered a shared view of tactical matters.
Despite the successful start to the season and being in top spot in the Bundesliga, Xabi Alonso also stressed in the discussion that the previous weeks and months have been demanding and that he has learned a lot since he started as a coach at Bayer 04 in October 2022. The Spaniard was particularly grateful for the great support from the Bayer 04 club management, the shareholders committee led by Werner Wenning, the staff and the fans.
The itinerary for the journalists from the USA and England also included interviews with CEO Fernando Carro and sporting managing director Simon Rolfes plus a tour of the BayArena and a visit to the VAR HQ in Cologne.
Werkself TV shows highlights of the 2-0 win at Olympiacos in the first leg of the play-offs of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 league...
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The Werkself beat Olympiacos 2-0 in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League play-off first leg to claim a crucial victory in the Greek capital. After a focused first-half display with a number of presentable chances, Patrik Schick crowned a textbook counter to hand the Werkself the lead on the hour (60’). The Czech rounded off his brace when he headed in from a corner just 144 seconds later. Bayer 04 maintained their lead with aplomb to achieve a good position for the return leg in Leverkusen.
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Bayer 04 and Olympiacos had only met twice before the current UEFA Champions campaign. After the encounter on Matchday 7 of this season’s league phase, the Werkself travel to face the Greek side for the second time in just four weeks for the knockout play-off first leg. The Black and Reds were dominant for large spells in mid-January but lost 2-0 after missing a number of presentable chances. The Werkself aim to do better on Wednesday night to “seize the chance for revenge,” as managing director sport Simon Rolfes put it. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.
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A bitter end to the fifth showdown of the 2025/26 VBL Club Championship as the #B04eSports team failed to take any points in the three remaining matches of the preliminary online round of the fifth and final showdown, missing out on the offline round. They can no longer take points in the overall table. Bayer 04 slipped out on the top eight, so direct participation in the final event for the German Club Championship is no longer possible, with Bayer 04 having to contest the play-offs.
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