"The full focus is now on Heidenheim. We need our Bundesliga mindset again, that's of great importance as the league is the most important competition for us," explained Alonso right at the start of the press conference on Friday afternoon. As in every game, the team go into the clash with the newcomers with the highest levels of concentration and maximum respect. "Otherwise we will have problems," said the Spaniard.
Alonso: "we can't be timid"
The Black and Reds face FC Heidenheim on Sunday for the second time in a competitive match. For most the Werkself players, the team from Baden-Württemberg are a completely new opponent that the team and coach Alonso have to be prepared for: "They are an intense team who we will have to be ready to challenge. We can't be timid and we have to be prepared for every style of play. Heidenheim are particularly dangerous at set pieces and that is still a weakness of ours. We are continuing to work hard on that."
In addition, Alonso explained: "Heidenheim have good energy and huge desire to battle as we could see against Bremen in Dortmund. I remember their promotion match last season – that was crazy." Heidenheim turned the game around against Jahn Regensburg scoring twice in added time to go 3-2 up and thereby seal the first promotion to the Bundesliga in the club's history. "They deserved to be promoted, it wasn't luck. They have passion and play with commitment," said Alonso.
The Spaniard also praised the visitors’ coach Frank Schmidt who has now been in the dugout at Heidenheim for 16 years: "I've got great admiration for him and I look forward to getting to know him on Sunday. Being in a leading position and in such an intense job for so long is unique and not easy. I wish him and his team all the best for the season."
home section sold out
The Werkself can again look forward to huge support at the match against the newly promoted club: the home section is already sold out. The away ticket office will be open on the matchday.
Alonso will again have to manage without Patrick Schick, Arthur as well as Timothy Fosu-Mensah.
Family matchday against Heidenheim
For the game on Sunday, Bayer 04 have again organised a traditional family matchday under the motto "Together under the Cross", presented by main sponsor Barmenia. Werkself fans can enjoy family friendly offers and a wide-ranging programme with games and entertainment in and around the BayArena.
