Alonso ahead of #B04KOE: “Maintain focus and play with control”

“Cup games are always special, and especially against Köln. We’re really excited,” Alonso said to kick off his press conference on Tuesday afternoon. The 43-year-old added: “We’re expecting an intense and hard game with a top atmosphere. But everything needs to remain sporting. We’re prepared to maintain our focus and play with control.”

Asked about Köln, who are currently top of Bundesliga 2, Alonso said: “They’re brave and, in my opinion, have a Bundesliga squad with lots of quality and experience. They can also play with high intensity and are in very good form right now.”

Adli fit, Wirtz a “world-class player”

While Alonso is still without Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier for this cup tie, Amine Adli is fit and able to feature again. “We’re really missed him on the pitch in recent months. He has that explosiveness and aggressive runs. We’re pleased he’s fit again,” Alonso said of the forward, who suffered a broken leg in October.

When asked about Florian Wirtz, who came to the BayArena from Köln in 2020, the Spaniard stated: “He learned a lot at Köln but has made even greater progress since his move to Leverkusen. He’s a grown-up player with great presence on the pitch and the desire to improve every day. He’s a world-class player.”

Alonso also had praise for winter arrivals Emiliano Buendia and Mario Hermoso, who both made their debut in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Hoffenheim: “You immediately felt Emiliano’s influence. He’s a very intelligent player who can play either side of the strikers. With Mario, you felt his great experience on the pitch. It felt like we needed two meetings and then they understood our ideas.”