Alonso ahead of #B04Inter: ‘One of the best teams in Europe’

"We're playing against one of the best teams in Europe. It will be a big challenge and it will show us where we’re up to. We are at home, at our stadium, with our atmosphere and therefore we are very much looking forward to the match," said Xabi Alonso on Monday afternoon. The Spaniard was particularly positive about the good mentality of his team: "We always want to get better and better and win every game. I'm glad the players also have that attitude and always want to do their best. We are on the right path and the game against Inter tomorrow is the next step."

Tapsoba: "well prepared for a strong opponent"

Edmond Tapsoba, also on the top table, shared his view of the Nerazzurri: "They are a strong opponent and we know about their quality. We are well prepared for the game." The defender has played against Inter Milan once – in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League in 2019/20 with the game ending in a narrow 2-1 defeat. Tapsoba on that match: "I remember the game. It was my first year at Bayer 04. We were young back then, had a new coach and we had to get used to a lot of new things. But now we are a close-knit team and have lots of players with more experience. It will be a different game from last time."

Alonso: "Inter have great maturity and control"

The Nerazzurri are the only team in the Champions League this season yet to concede a goal. If they keep a clean sheet against the Werkself then the Italians will be the first team who have achieved that in the first six matches in a Champions League campaign. Tapsoba: "Italian teams are different from Bundesliga teams. They have their own ideas and ways of playing. But we also have our game. I think we can definitely get a result tomorrow."

Alonso speaking about the strengths of the Italian side: "Inter play with great maturity and control. They have lots of ability and follow a clear approach to the game. They have two players for nearly every position and a very big squad of high quality. Talking about Hakan Calhanoglu, who played for Bayer 04 from 2014 to 2017, Alonso said: "It's not actually about individuals but Calhanoglu is obviously a good player with great influence. He has developed really well, can read the game well and is able to play in lots of positions in midfield."

In an update on his own squad, Alonso talked about Patrik Schick: "He's on the right path and is making progress. We are seeing how he is day by day."

full house at the BayArena in last UCL game in 2024

The BayArena will again be sold out for the last match in the Champions League in 2024. 2,500 Milan fans are expected to travel to support their team. The match will be broadcast live on DAZN and also on Werkself Radio as usual.