Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
"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.
The Bayer 04 Women's team coaches remain in place: The Werkself have extended the contract with assistant coach Remzi Kahraman by two years to 2027. The 30-year-old will continue to assist head coach Roberto Pätzold along with fellow assistant coach Friederike Mehring.
Show moreFlorian Wirtz has completed the move to Premier League champions Liverpool. In his five and a half years in a Bayer 04 jersey he has given us incredible and unforgettable memories. Here are some of his best moments from his time at Leverkusen. Thank you for everything, Flo!
Show moreGermany international Florian Wirtz is leaving Bayer 04 Leverkusen after five and a half years to play for Liverpool. Wirtz, at the Werkself since January 2020 and a champion of Germany, DFB Pokal winner and Supercup winner in 2024, has signed a long-term contract with Liverpool.
Show moreThe head coaches of the U16 to U19 youth teams at Bayer 04 welcome some new faces to the coaching staff for the 2025/26 campaign. Overview of new set-up.
Show more