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"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.
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."
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.
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.
Matchday three in the league stage of the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 takes Bayer 04 to Stade Brest. To be more exact to Guingamp where the game against the most westerly top-flight club in France will be played at the Stade de Roudouro on Wednesday, 23 October with the kick-off at 18.45 CEST. The match will be covered live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio. Up to then we will take you on the tour #aCROSSeurope and keep you up-to-date on the Werkself in Brittany.
Show moreThe Werkself face French club Stade Brest on Matchday 3 of the UEFA Champions League. Both teams won their first two games in Europe's premier club competition. Kick-off is at 18:45 CEST this evening, Wednesday 23 October, at the Stade du Roudourou (Guingamp). Catch up with key information ahead of the clash.
Show moreStill unbeaten and now with seven points to their name: In the third match of the 2024/25 UEFA Youth League, Bayer 04 U19s earned a point at Stade Brest. In front of 3,000 spectators at the Stade Francis-Le Blé, Kerim Alajbegovic put Leverkusen ahead (24'), but the French side equalised shortly before the break. After the break, Artem Stepanov had the best chance for the Werkself but his shot hit the post and the game ended in a 1-1 draw.
Show moreBayer 04 are away to Stade Brest on Wednesday, 23 October (kick-off: 18.45 CEST at the Stade de Roudourou, live on DAZN) on matchday three in the UEFA Champions League. Ahead of the game, to be played in Guingamp, head coach Xabi Alonso and Martin Terrier spoke about their ambitions, the dangerous opponents as well as the personnel situation at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday night.
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