Back
6.12.2022Bayer 04

Penultimate friendly of the year – Alonso: We want to use the time

The year is drawing to a close. There are two friendlies before Christmas: First, the Werkself are away to Rangers this Saturday 10 December (kick-off: 13.00 local time/14.00 CET). The final friendly of the year for the team led by head coach Xabi Alonso is against FC Zürich at the Ulrich Haberland Stadium on Saturday 17 December (kick-off: 13.00 CET). The Werkself have a busy week coming up ahead of the flight to Glasgow.
crop_20221202_B04_Training_58291.jpg

Following the double training session on Monday for the Alonso team, there are a host of events on and off the pitch in the next few days. In addition to four more training sessions, the players will visit the Bayer 04 U12 to U15 teams on Wednesday 7 December to take a closer look at the young players and also make themselves available for exchanges on and off the pitch.

Alonso: "Solid defending is the basis of everything"

Head coach Xabi Alonso shared his views on the training plan and associated targets for winter preparations ahead of the last two weeks before Christmas: "We now finally have more time to work on things and improve. Solid defending with controlled risk is the basis for everything," explained Alonso before adding: "We want to create a successful balance between controlling the ball, having possession and penetrating runs."

On top of that, he also wants to use the time to take in additional systems of play: "Regardless of whether we choose to have a back five, four or three in the end, our aim is for the players to be able to be settled and flexible in each system," said Alonso. According to the head coach, Florian Wirtz also has a crucial role to play: "Systems are like images but a football match is dynamic – Florian understands that very well."

Wirtz and Schick making progress

Alonso also talked about the return of the 19-year-old: "We are really looking forward to it and we can very well use him and his individual quality and creativity. He is now getting fitter and fitter, is working hard and his mentality is good." The 19-year-old is set to return to the squad for the forthcoming friendly against the Scottish record champions for the first time since his torn cruciate in March of last year: "If everything continues to go well then he'll be able to have his first minutes in the friendlies," said the 41-year-old coach.

There was also good news about Patrik Schick: The striker does not need an operation. At the same time it remains to be seen when the Czech Republic international can return to the training ground.

final week of training this year

The Black and Reds will return to Leverkusen straight after the friendly at Ibrox. Lukas Hradecky and Co. will have the day off from training on Sunday before the start of the final week of training complete with the friendly against FC Zürich leading up to the festive break.

Related News

crop_20241018_VK_Training_Frauen_7976.jpg
Women - 21.06.2025

Women: Bayer 04 extend contract with assistant coach Remzi Kahraman

The Bayer 04 Women's team coaches remain in place: The Werkself have extended the contract with assistant coach Remzi Kahraman by two years to 2027. The 30-year-old will continue to assist head coach Roberto Pätzold along with fellow assistant coach Friederike Mehring.

Show more
Abschiedsbrief an Florian Wirtz
Werkself-TV - 20.06.2025

Farewell letter to Florian ‘football god’ Wirtz 🖤❤️

It is particularly difficult to find the right words for some farewells: Bayer 04 say “Thank you, Flo” for five and a half magical years in Black and Red. For an incredible journey together. Florian Wirtz has signed for Liverpool. But he will always be part of the Bayer 04 family. A farewell letter to Florian ‘football god’ Wirtz…

Show more
Best of Florian Wirtz | Highlights | Tore & Assists | Dribblings
Werkself-TV - 20.06.2025

Goals, assists, dribbles | Best of Florian Wirtz

Florian Wirtz has completed the move to Premier League champions Liverpool. In his five and a half years in a Bayer 04 jersey he has given us incredible and unforgettable memories. Here are some of his best moments from his time at Leverkusen. Thank you for everything, Flo!

Show more
Florian Wirtz
Bayer 04 - 20.06.2025

Florian Wirtz completes move to Liverpool

Germany international Florian Wirtz is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen after five and a half years to play for Liverpool. Wirtz, at the Werkself since January 2020 and a champion of Germany, DFB Pokal winner and Supercup winner in 2024, has signed a long-term contract with Liverpool.

Show more