Back
10.03.2025Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #B04FCB: ‘The first step is believing in it’

The Werkself host Bayern Munich at the BayArena in the second leg of the 2024/25 Champions League Round of 16 tomorrow, Tuesday 11 March (kick-off: 21:00 CET and live on Prime Video). Ahead of the all-German clash, head coach Xabi Alonso and defender Jonathan Tah talked about belief in going through and recall previous miracles.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"The first step is believing in it. Both us and the fans have to do it. We have to play with great courage and passion – while of course keeping a clear head – and give our all right to the end. We have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain," said Xabi Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Monday afternoon.

Jonathan Tah provided a brief review of last week: "Of course, it wasn't great. But the two lost games act as incentive and motivation to win again. At first you feel frustration but then it's about turning the negative energy into positivity and intensity on the pitch. We are ready and can't wait for tomorrow!"

Tah: "HUGE Challenge but we're happy to take it on"

FC Bayern have never before given away a three-goal lead from the first leg in a European competition. Bayer 04 have come back from a 3-0 defeat in the first leg: In the final of the UEFA Cup in 1988 it was 3-0 to Bayer 04 after extra time in the second leg. Black and Reds won the penalty shootout 3-2 to lift the UEFA Cup. The game was like a film. Tah: "I probably wasn't even planned at the time. (He laughs) But obviously I know the history. It could be a special game tomorrow too. It will be a huge challenge but we're happy to take it on."

Jonathan Tah

And Alonso, who was 3-0 down with Liverpool in the Champions League final against AC Milan but went on to win in the end (3-3 a.e.t., 3-2 on penalties, ed.), also believes going through is possible. "We've already achieved the apparently impossible once before. We became the unbeaten champions of Germany," said the Spaniard. And he added: "There's always everything to play for. Bochum showed that at the weekend for example when they were 2-0 down and won 3-2. Anything can happen after the kick off."

Alonso: "show we are a complete team"

In tomorrow’s second leg, Alonso will have to manage without long-term injured players Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier as well as Nordi Mukiele, suspended after being sent off in the first leg, plus Florian Wirtz (ligamenmt injury in right ankle). "I'm very sorry for Flo, he was on good form. Now is the moment to show we are a complete team and can also win without him," said Alonso. Tah added: "Now it's the best test to prove that we can compensate for something like that as a team. Everybody is aware how important he is but we have to deal with it. We will play for him tomorrow as well so that he can still play in the Champions League this season when he comes back."

BayArena sold out – Prime Video live broadcast

There will be a full house at the BayArena with 2,000 away fans expected from Munich. The second leg in the Round of 16 will be shown live on Prime Video. In addition, Werkself Radio will broadcast live from the BayArena 30 minutes before kick-off.

Related News

Kerim Alajbegovic
Bayer 04 - 27.03.2026

Goalscorer and hard worker: Alajbegovic and big steps in Salzburg

Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.

Show more
Nathan Tella mit Simon Rolfes
Bayer 04 - 24.03.2026

Nathan Tella signs new deal with Bayer 04 to 2031

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.

Show more
Nathan Tella verlängert: „Unglaubliches Gefühl, Teil dieses Clubs zu sein“
Werkself-TV - 24.03.2026

'Amazing feeling to be part of this club': Tella extends contract to 2031

Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...

Show more
Patrik Schick für Tschechien
Bayer 04 - 23.03.2026

International update: Schick in quest for World Cup ticket - Friendlies for Grimaldo and Co.

In the final international break in the current 2025/26 campaign, Bayer 04 striker Patrik Schick with Czechia will be battling for a place at the World Cup. Meanwhile, national teams that have already qualified, include other Werkself players called up, are involved in friendlies in the build-up to the World Cup. Read on for an overview of the Leverkusen internationals and their match dates.

Show more
Nathan Tella auf dem Trainingsplatz
Bayer 04 - 23.03.2026

Training during the international break

The Werkself kicked off the final international break of the current season on Monday morning with the first of three open training sessions this week. While eleven Bayer 04 players will be away on international duty in the coming days, the other players will be working together in Leverkusen. The next challenge in the Bundesliga awaits on Saturday, 4 April (kick-off: 15:30 CEST) with the home game against VfL Wolfsburg.

Show more