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"It's a match against a big team in the history of football. AC Milan are a top side with a lot of individual quality. They have dangerous players who work well together on the pitch. Therefore, we will need to produce our best performance levels and play with high concentration as usual," said Xabi Alonso at the press conference on Monday afternoon..
Defender Jonathan Tah said full of anticipation for the game: "Games in the Champions League are always a challenge. We will be tested at the highest level – and that's exactly what we want."
While the Werkself started the 2024/25 Champions League campaign with a 4-0 victory, the Rossoneri lost 3-1 at home to Liverpool. AC Milan had a mediocre start in the league with two draws and a defeat. That has since been followed by three league wins in succession including the derby against champions Inter Milan (2-1) and a 3-0 victory against Lecce last Friday.
In response to a question of his assessment of AC Milan, Alonso said: "We expect high game intelligence. They are prepared to defend deep but they can also dominate possession. We have to be prepared for any situation." Tah added: "Italian sides are a difficult opponent for many teams. They have a particular style of play and defend very well. We will need to be very patient."
The match against AC Milan is the first home game in the Champions League for the Werkself in two years following the game for the Black and Reds against Club Brugge. Asked about Bayer 04’s progress since then, Tah said: "A lot has happened. We have undergone an incredible development as a club and the coach has had a big influence on that. We'll never say that we are completely happy. We will always keep working and try to improve from game to game."
Alonso revelled in memories for a moment. As a player with Liverpool, the Spaniard secured his first Champions League title against AC Milan in one of the most memorable finals in the tournament. Liverpool came back from 3-0 down with Alonso equalising by converting a saved penalty to put the Reds through to a penalty shoot-out, which they went on to win. Alonso said about the magical evening against AC Milan: "It was one of the most important games in my career and an incredible night. It's a great memory but the focus for us is on the here and now."
Alonso again has a full squad to choose from tomorrow. Other good news: 30,210 fans will watch the match at the stadium tomorrow - the BayArena is sold out. 2,000 AC Milan fans are expected to follow their team to Leverkusen.
The game will be broadcast live on DAZN. In addition, Werkself Radio will also cover the match as usual.
Italian teams are known for being strong in defence. The fact that Inter Milan, the next opponents for the Werkself in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, 10 December (kick-off: 20.45 CET), have not conceded a single goal in their last five matches is impressive. Will the visitors' keeper Yann Sommer be able to keep a clean sheet at the BayArena against Florian Wirtz and Co.? The lowdown on our next opponents.
Show moreThe Werkself are away to Borussia Dortmund on Bundesliga Matchday 16. The game at the Signal Iduna Park on Friday, 10 January 2025, kicks off at 20.30 CET. Read on for information on ticket sales.
Show moreTwo champions go head-to-head: The Werkself entertain Inter Milan at the BayArena on Matchday 6 in the UEFA Champions League. The game against the team from Lombardy is on Tuesday, 10 December (kick-off: 21.00 CET/live on DAZN and on Werkself Radio). Head coach Xabi Alonso and defender Edmond Tapsoba revealed their keen anticipation ahead of the top match against the Italian champions at the pre-match press conference. In addition, the duo talked about the strengths of the visitors and the difference from playing teams in the Bundesliga.
Show moreThe fact the team led by head coach Xabi Alonso have learned from the draws against Holstein Kiel, Werder Bremen, VfL Bochum and VfB Stuttgart was demonstrated by the 2-1 win for the Werkself against FC St. Pauli on Saturday afternoon. Thanks to the victory against Hamburg side, Bayer 04 are now unbeaten in the last eleven Bundesliga matches (six wins, five draws) – only Bayern Munich are on a longer run at the moment. All of the last three matches have ended in victory. The Werkself review.
Show moreWerkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04’s 2-1 win against FC St. Pauli on the 13th matchday of the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign…
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