19.04.2023Europa League

Alonso: Balance in own game crucial

One week after the 1-1 draw against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Europa League quarter-final first leg, the Werkself are away in Belgium and are dreaming of a first return to a European semi-final since 2002 ahead of the second leg. Head coach Xabi Alonso and midfielder Robert Andrich spoke at the pre-match press conference ahead of the game tomorrow, Thursday 20 April (kick-off: 21.00 CEST), about the situation in the tie, Amine Adli and Exequiel Palacios plus the expected support from Bayer 04 fans at the Lotto Park.

Robert Andrich described the draw in the first leg as “fair” with Florian Wirtz scoring a late equaliser. Head coach Xabi Alonso took a similar position in his brief review of the 1-1 draw in the first leg that gave the Spaniard and his fellow coaches important insights into the top Belgian team. The 41-year-old Alonso said: “We know how they play and we’ll need a good performance in all parts of the team. It’s important that we take our chances but at the same time remain solid in defence. We’ve discussed what we have to do better and we want to put that into practice tomorrow.”

Alonso believes his team is ready to achieve the target of returning to a European semi-final for the first time in over 20 years: “The feeling within the team is great. We are motivated to achieve a good result and go through to the next round.”

Adli ready, question mark over Palacios

Nearly all of the Werkself players are available with the single exception of Patrik Schick (groin). A decision has to be made on Exequiel Palacios who was sidelined for the Wolfsburg game due to muscular problems. Alonso on the Argentinian World Cup winner who was on the pitch for the final pre-match training session at the BayArena on Wednesday afternoon: “We’ll have to wait until tomorrow with Pala. Then we’ll decide whether it’s possible or not.” Amine Adli completed parts of the training session and the Frenchman is ready for the second leg according to Alonso.

Andrich: "the time has come again"

The Werkself will be able to rely on great support from the stands in the next Europa League night: Over 1,600 Bayer 04 fans will be at the Lotto Park in Anderlecht with the allocation of tickets completely sold out. “We are looking forward to their support,” said Alonso.

And taking account of the fans, Andrich and Co. are keen on being one of the last four teams in Europe again after more than 20 years. The midfielder declared: “A semi-final is always something special. Reaching one in the Europa League will be something special for me but also for the club and our fans. It’s a long time since Bayer 04 were in a semi-final. The time has come again!”

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