"We are happy the Bundesliga is back. We made good use of the international break and analysed things that perhaps haven't gone so well. Now we have the final run of fixtures this year and it will be an interesting phase. Tomorrow we want to make a good start to this final run-in," said Xabi Alonso at the start of the press conference.
Boniface injured, Schick ready and Tapsoba available
There was unwelcome news regarding Victor Boniface. The 23-year-old, who was injured in the international break playing for Nigeria, is currently sidelined. Alonso on the Werkself striker: “It's an intensive period and injuries can happen. Victor has a slight thigh injury. He will miss a number of games and that's a pity. We'll have to wait and see how long it takes."
The Spanish coach then talked about Patrik Schick: "Patrik is always ready, he has a good mindset and he played well in the Pokal (3-0 against SV Elversberg 07, ed.) and against Bochum (1-1, ed.). We need him but also every other player always and every time. Not just when others get injured."
Alonso had good news about Edmond Tapsoba. The defender is available for the game against Heidenheim. The two youth players Francis Onyeka and Artem Stepanov will be in the squad. Nordi Mukiele and Jeanuel Belocian are still sidelined as is Amine Adli.
Alonso: "we want to achieve our targets"
Asked about his personal future in the coming year, the Spaniard said: "My focus and that of the whole team is here on Leverkusen, on this season and the next game against Heidenheim. We want to have a positive run of fixtures up to Christmas and achieve our targets in all three competitions. That's the most important thing."
Alonso: "be alert in every situation"
The coach and the team are fully focused on the forthcoming challenge in the Bundesliga. FC Heidenheim are currently fourteenth in the table on ten points. The club from Baden-Württemberg made a good start to this season and were top after two matches. However, the team led by coach Frank Schmidt have gone five games without a win and only won one of their last eight fixtures. Alonso said about Heidenheim: "They have the ability to create something in little situations. I've played against them twice and it was never easy. They do have some new players but the team and the coach have the same soul and the same character."
The approach is therefore clear for the Spanish coach: "We have to be wide awake against Heidenheim and be alert in every situation. That hasn't always worked in the past. We've worked on that amongst other things."
The home sections are sold out for the Heidenheim game and 850 FCH fans are expected to travel to Leverkusen. The match is live on Sky and on Werkself Radio.
