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At Tuesday evening's pre-match press conference in the media center at the Dublin Arena, head coach Alonso said: "Our full focus is on tomorrow's match. We've prepared well and are confident that we'll perform as we have done so far this season."
For the Spaniard, it's a first final in a European competition as coach, having played in three UEFA Champions League finals as a player. "I'm still a very young coach," said Alonso. "My time in Leverkusen so far has been an intense and wonderful experience. I played under a lot of good coaches and learned from all of them. Right now I'm learning a lot from my players. We all work together and try every day to make each other better. We've done a lot right in this season, in terms of the squad, the style of play and the team spirit in the group. I feel huge excitement for tomorrow but as soon as the ball is rolling, the responsibility is on the players."
Tomorrow's final in the Irish capital is Leverkusen's first in a major European competition for over 20 years. Jonathan Tah stressed: "The excitement is also very great for us. We sense the special atmosphere before a final like this and that there's a special focus on this game. Many of us have never experienced anything like this. We can't wait." The centre-back added: "I'm enjoying being here and experiencing such a season. It's not often that you win the league and can still win two more titles. I'm really enjoying it to the fullest."
The big defender still clearly recalls the last encounter with Atalanta. In the 2021/22 Europa League round of 16, the Werkself were knocked out by the Bergamo club. "They play with a lot of intensity and aggression," explained Tah. "We had problems at that time, but we've grown since then and made a lot of progress as a team."
Granit Xhaka, meanwhile, pointed out: "There are no underdogs tomorrow. Atalanta have beaten the likes of Liverpool and Marseille, which is impressive. But we're playing the final to win it. We'll go to our limits and do everything to bring the trophy to Leverkusen." For Xhaka, it's the second Europa League final of his career. "I lost the first, but there's always a second chance," added the 31-year-old.
Alonso has a fully fit squad for tomorrow's clash. The Spaniard also confirmed that Matej Kovar will start in goal.
Regarding the opponents' personnel, Alonso said: "They have very good players, be it [Teun] Koopmeiners, [Ademola] Lookman or [Gianluca] Scamacca. Their coach [Gian Piero Gasperini] always has a clear idea of how to play, too. It'll be an honour for me to meet him tomorrow. They know exactly what they want and they've been very succesful that way in Italy and Europe." Since Gasperini took charge in 2016, Atalanta have played in the Champions League three times and Europa League three times. Alonso knows exactly what's required tomorrow: "We have big respect for Atalanta. We need to play with control and use the spaces they give us. We don't just have one way of playing. We can vary, which is also a reason for the success this season."
The Werkself will be cheered on by around 12,000 supporters for this crucial match. "It's going to be a nice game in a great stadium tomorrow," Alonso added. "Our fans will enjoy the day and certainly create a good atmosphere in the evening."
For the first match under head coach Kasper Hjulmand on Friday night, 12 September (kick-off: 20:30 CEST/live on Sky and WOW), the Werkself welcome an Eintracht Frankfurt side in impressive early form. The Eagles counter-attacking and clinical finishing have stood out in their previous wins this term. Important advice for all fans travelling to and from the match by train: There will be cancellations of S-Bahn services to and from Leverkusen Mitte in both directions. The latest information on tonight’s match.
Show morePremiere on the touchline: When the Werkself welcome Eintracht Frankfurt to the BayArena tomorrow, Friday 12 September, at 20.30 CEST, Kasper Hjulmand will make his debut as head coach of Bayer 04. Ahead of the clash on Bundesliga matchday 3 in 2025/26, the 53-year-old Dane spoke about his excitement ahead of his first game, the short preparation time and the strengths of his opponents.
Show moreThe next fixture dates for the Werkself in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga have been finalised - and Bayer 04 will play on the same day of the week four times in a row. The German Football Association (DFB) announced the fixtures for matchdays 5 to 10 on Thursday afternoon.
Show moreEintracht Frankfurt have made a perfect start to the season: The 5-0 victory in the first round of the DFB Pokal at Oberliga club FV Engers 07 was followed by two impressive wins in the Bundesliga against Werder Bremen (4-1) and TSG Hoffenheim (3-1). This Friday, 12 September (kick-off: 20:30 CEST/live on Sky and WOW), the team from Frankfurt visit the BayArena. Not exactly their favourite venue. After all, the last time Eintracht scored in Leverkusen was over ten years ago. The lowdown on our next opponents.
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