Back
13.01.2025Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #B04M05: ‘Opponents in top form’

With the home game against Mainz 05 tomorrow Tuesday, 14 January (kick-off: 20.30 CET at the BayArena and live on Sky) the Werkself are looking for a successful conclusion to the Hinrunde in the 2024/25 season. Ahead of the clash with the team in fifth place, head coach Xabi Alonso sounded a warning about an opponent in top form – both in defence and in attack.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"We are looking forward to the first of at least four busy weeks. Sometimes it's good if you don't have so much time and simply keep on playing the whole time," said Alonso at the start of the press conference. The Spaniard did sound a warning: "We will have problems if we are not 100% on our game against Mainz tomorrow."

The opponents, who have conceded the second least number of goals in the league, are in top form: "They are currently in very good shape. They are very brave on the ball and play with great energy." At the same time, Mainz are also well organised in defence: "They have a fine feeling for when they need to press high when they need to sit back. They've shown that several times against top teams as for example against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund."

Boniface, Adli and Belocian still sidelined

Jeanuel Belocian (torn cruciate), Amine Adli and Victor Boniface are still unavailable. Alonso: "Adli can be back with the team by the end of January at the earliest, Boniface could return in the coming week but he needs time to train."

Alonso also had words of praise for Boniface’s fellow striker Patrik Schick: "He not only scores goals but also knows how to defend and knows what a great influence that has on our game." The coach was also positive about defender Piero Hincapie, who set up Schick in the 3-2 win at Borussia Dortmund: "We are very happy with his development. He's a real fighter regardless of position and I'm glad he finally provided an assist for Patrik. He's practiced that in training for a long time."

Remaining tickets on Bayer 04 Ticket exchange

The home section will be sold out on Tuesday night and 1700 visiting fans are expected to travel from Mainz. There are still a few tickets in circulation on the official Bayer 04 ticket exchange .

Related News

Chinesische Delegation mit Stefan Kießling
Bayer 04 - 07.10.2026

BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou visits Leverkusen

Exciting experiences and exclusive insights into the Werkself and the BayArena awaited the young footballers from the BA04 Football Academy Guangzhou in China during their visit to the Rhineland this week. As well as taking part in a joint training session with the Bayer 04 Football Academy, the youngsters marvelled at the Bundesliga club’s stadium during a guided tour. The highlight of the visit was a private press conference with former Bayer 04 striker Stefan Kießling, during which he shared tips from his own career with the young players. On Saturday afternoon, 10 October, the group will round off their visit by supporting the Werkself in the away match in Mainz.

Show more
Juniorinnen-Talenttag am Kurtekotten
Women - 06.10.2026

‘The standard is getting higher and higher: Junior Talent Day at Kurtekotten with 90 girls

Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.

Show more
Claudia Wenger jubelt
Women - 06.10.2026

Head-to-head battle for World Cup spot: Eight Bayer 04 women on international duty

Austria or Kosovo? Claudia Wenger or Lumbardha Misini? Only one of these two Bayer 04 women will see her dream of competing at the World Cup in Brazil (24 June to 25 July 2027) live on beyond the next two weeks. From a Leverkusen perspective, the two direct clashes between the Werkself players as they battle for a place in the second play-off round stand out during the upcoming international break. For several other players, the chance of a World Cup place is also at stake. Bayer04.de provides an overview of the women’s international call-ups.

Show more
Tobias Ufer und Rudi Vollborn
Sustainability - 05.10.2026

Interactive health checks, cancer screening and more: Health Day at the BayArena

Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.

Show more