Back
10.05.2023Europa League

Alonso ahead of #ASRB04: ‘We’ve shown we can beat anybody’

The first semi-final for Bayer 04 in the European competition for over 20 years is nearly here: The Werkself are away to AS Roma in the first leg on Thursday 11 May (kick-off: 21.00 CEST). Head coach Xabi Alonso and captain Lukas Hradecky at the pre-match press conference at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday evening spoke about the good record from big games and similar strengths shared by the two teams.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

Since the start of the week, the focus has exclusively been on the first leg against AS Roma as the Werkself captain Lukas Hradecky explained before his first European semi-final: “In football it goes on and on. We face a big match on an impressive stage where we want to achieve a good position for the second leg at home in Leverkusen.”

Hradecky: "WE can expect a big challenge"

Asked about AS Roma offensive star Paulo Dybala, who has 18 goal involvements in Serie A, goalkeeper Hradecky declared: “I look at each opponent in detail. Roma have a lot of good players who never give up and keep on fighting. Regardless of who plays tomorrow night – we can expect a big challenge.

crop_20230510_JS_ASR_B04_MD-1_1215.jpg

Hradecky and Co. have shown over recent weeks that they are ready both in the Bundesliga and in the Europa League. “We’ve developed well. Bayern, Leipzig – we showed we can beat anyone,” added Hradecky. “We want to show that again against Roma.”

Alonso's reunion with Mourinho: "looking forward to seeing him"

Xabi Alonso will meet his former manager José Mourinho for the first time as a coach on Thursday night. Mourinho coached him at Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013. “Of course, it’s special for me to play against him. I had a great time with him and I learned a lot from him. Mourinho knows how to inspire a team and he was always a leader,” explained Alonso. “I’m looking forward to seeing him. But when the game starts I will be completely focused on the events on the pitch and I will dedicate all my energy exclusively to working with my team.”

Alonso’s opposite number Mourinho earlier praised the defensive work and the counter attacking game of the Werkself. Alonso welcomed the statements of the 60-year-old Portuguese ahead of the match. The Spaniard: “Roma also have their strengths in fast transition and, above all, at set pieces. But we are ready for their approach to the game.”

 

Related News

Tour-Pass
Champions League - 26.01.2026

Sound of Dreams tour pass: Pick up your final sticker now and take part in the competition

Under the motto ‘Sound of Dreams - #aCROSS Europe 2025/26’, Bayer 04 are turning this season's UEFA Champions League season into a festival. In addition to a Spotify playlist that fans can use to get in the mood for the Champions League nights, there is also a tour pass with stickers for the respective UCL matches exclusively for Bayer 04 Club members. These could be picked up in the respective weeks of the matches. The sticker for the final clash in the league phase (Villarreal, 28 January, 21:00 CET) is now available at the Fanwelt. The competition for all diligent sticker collectors is also now open. Read on for further information.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04SVW
Bundesliga - 24.01.2026

Matchday News #B04SVW: ‘!Never Again’ remembrance matchday and Schick's 30th birthday

This afternoon, Saturday 24 January (kick-off: 15.30 CET), Bayer 04 host SV Werder Bremen, who are winless in their last seven league games. Nevertheless, in their last outing, a 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt, where they conceded a late equaliser, the Green and Whites did show their team spirit. The Werkself, led by birthday boy Patrik Schick, will be looking to counter this and secure their first three points of the new year on this ‘!Never Again’ remembrance matchday to commemorate the victims of National Socialism. Read on for the latest information in today's matchday news.

Show more
Birthday Schick Free Jersey Print
Fans - 24.01.2026

For Schick's milestone birthday: free print and jersey giveaway

Happy birthday, Patrik Schick! On his special day, it's not just the Czech striker who can look forward to lots of presents and hopefully many more goals – Bayer 04 fans can also get their hands on a free number 14 print when they buy a Werkself jersey today, January 24! In addition, a match-worn jersey belonging to the now 30-year-old will be raffled off among all purchasers next week.

Show more
Women win despite being outnumbered | 15th matchday
Werkself-TV - 23.01.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 2-1 win at Union Berlin

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 2-1 win at 1. FC Union Berlin on the 15th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more