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"Our target for the last phase of the season is the best possible outcome," said Xabi Alonso at Friday afternoon’s pre-match press conference ahead of the "next difficult challenge." Union Berlin are the in-form team over the last four matchdays with wins against Eintracht Frankfurt, SC Freiburg and VfL Wolfsburg and they also gained a point against FC Bayern. "We will face a very good Union with a clear DNA and style of play," said Alonso whose team are just behind FCU in the form table with three wins from the last four matches.
According to the Spaniard, the last physically as well as emotionally demanding clash at FC Heidenheim (1-0) has been followed by a "very good week of training" with certain positive news in relation to the senior squad.
Over the course of the last few days both Florian Wirtz and Exequiel Palacios have returned to full training. The duo are ready for the clash with Union Berlin. While Palacios just missed out on the last match at Heidenheim, Wirtz is set to return to the line-up for the first time in five weeks. Alonso: "Flo is fit, he can play. From the start too." The same applies to Palacios and also to Edmond Tapsoba, who has also been sidelined through injury, albeit he was back in the squad in Heidenheim.
Asked about the influence of Wirtz on the Werkself game, Alonso added: "We are a better team with Flo. We know how significant he is to the team and how much fun he has playing for us. Flo has shown great determination to get fit again quickly and has worked hard for that. We are very happy that he and the others are back."
The state of play at the top of the table was also a subject at the press conference. With a win against Union Berlin, the Werkself could be just three points behind FC Bayern for at least a few hours as they host Borussia Dortmund on Saturday night. Asked about the forthcoming second leg for Bayern Munich against Inter Milan (first leg: 1-2) in the Champions League next week, Alonso said: “We focus on ourselves. We want to win tomorrow and apply pressure and that's our job."
Ahead of kick-off, Werkself fans can look forward to an action-packed programme of events with lots of activities to join in with as part of the family matchday. There will also be an exclusive jersey sale at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt. Further details are available HERE.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have given offensive player Paulina Bartz a long-term contract. The 20-year-old has penned a new deal to 30 June 2027.
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Germany international Florian Wirtz has been voted Bayer 04 ‘Player of the Season’ for the second time in a row. The 21-year-old, who will play for Premier League champions Liverpool next season, received more than half of all votes cast in the annual poll organised by Bayer 04.
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