"We now have clarity and therefore it's the right moment to announce it: The last two matches of the season will be my last as the Bayer 04 coach," said Xabi Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "I'm very grateful for my time here. There were incredible and unforgettable moments, which I experienced with my players, staff, all the employees of the club and the fans."
The Spaniard summed up his time at Bayer 04 as follows: "Here I have become the coach I am now. The club has given me so much and had confidence in me. There was always outstanding communication with Fernando, Simon and Herr Wenning. The first season was definitely the hardest. The position on the pitch was not easy and I had to learn a lot. Then we had the historic season, we experienced great games and emotional nights with each other. And this season was the most demanding due to the increased expectations. The most emotional moment in my time here was winning the DFB Pokal. I was tense, I definitely wanted a good finish after the Europa League final in Dublin. It was the perfect end to the season. I will never forget my time at Bayer 04."
Alonso: "enjoy the last two games"
Asked about the match on Sunday, which will be the last at the BayArena for Alonso, he said: "Of course, I have mixed feelings. It will be very emotional. I'd like to enjoy the last two games. I'm looking forward to having a great time together with the fans here on Sunday." The Spaniard will have an official farewell before kick-off together with Jonathan Tah and the three players on loan Nordi Mukiele, Mario Hermoso and Emiliano Buendía.
Alonso on BVB: "Dortmund are a top team battling to qualify for the Champions League. But it's a home game and obviously we want to win." In BVB, the Werkself face the most successful team of the last six matchdays (five wins, one draw). The Black and Yellows – in mid-table a few weeks ago and now in fifth spot one point away from fourth place – again have a good chance of finishing in a Champions League position.
Rolfes: "home win is the clear target"
After the press conference, sporting managing director Simon Rolfes faced the media. The 43-year-old said: "We still have the chance of having the second best season in the club's history. To do that we have to win against Dortmund and also in Mainz. In addition, we want to end the season at our stadium with a home win. That's our clear target."
on DAZN, Werkself Radio and Live text commentary
Fans who are unable to be at the BayArena for the last match of the season can watch the game live on DAZN. In addition, Werkself Radio and the live text commentary are available as usual on bayer04.de as well as on the Bayer 04 app. 3,000 fans are set to travel from Dortmund.
