Alonso ahead of #AtletiB04: ‘We want to be in the top eight’

Xabi Alonso, whose return to the city of Madrid aroused great interest in the media, remained objective as usual: "This return has a special character for me primarily due to the large number of sporting clashes for my team in the past. That is motivation enough. I'm concentrating on the here and now and my team."

Alejandro Grimaldo on Alonso: "His work with us is remarkable. He has made many of us into better players, raised us to a higher level and he gets the best out of each individual player."

The Spaniard on the forthcoming game and the associated prospects in the Champions League: "All clubs have set themselves big targets – Atletico too and us as well. Both teams are in good form and have a great chance of getting in the top eight in the league phase. And we definitely want to be in the top eight. We're in a good position for that but it's not all over by a long way. The match tomorrow is very important to us. We are aware of that."

Alonso: "you need a lot to get a result"

The Spaniard is expecting a top match at the highest level: "You need a lot to get a result against Atletico. They can play at different levels – they can bide their time on the ball, but also be strong in challenges and accurate with their passing." Grimaldo on the way forward: "It will be important for us to be on it in the crucial moments and use our chances. But we have trained well and are prepared to an optimum level."

Alonso also spoke highly of his fellow coach Diego Simeone, head coach at Atletico Madrid: "I have great respect for him. He has had a big influence here on the club for 13 years. He has developed a clear DNA in that time and the current squad is possibly the best he's ever had. Therefore, they are justifiably very ambitious in this campaign."

Boniface back in the squad

Alonso also praised Werkself player Piero Hincapie: "He is very important to us and he has played a big part in our success. Since I've been here he has really developed on and off the pitch." Grimaldo added: "I think Piero is still very young but already an outstanding player. He always has the right attitude and learns very quickly. It's fun playing alongside him."

For this game, Alonso will have to manage without Jeanuel Belocian (torn cruciate) and Martin Terrier (torn Achilles). Also absent is Amine Adli. Victor Boniface has travelled with the team and will be back in the squad tomorrow for the first time since his recovery. Alonso on the return of the striker: "He felt good and could theoretically play. It's great and important for him to be part of the team again and to be involved in everything."

1,700 travelling Bayer 04 fans will be supporting the Werkself at the Estadio Metropolitano tomorrow – more than ever before for an away game at Atletico.