Back
13.03.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #B04QAR: “Need balance between stability and tempo”

Bayer 04 host Qarabag at the BayArena on Thursday for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League round of 16 encounter, with the tie finely poised at 2-2 after the first game in Baku last week. Head coach Xabi Alonso and defender Josip Stanisic spoke ahead of the match about the appeal of a knockout game and how to approach things to advance to the quarter-finals.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

“The first leg last week was very tough for us. Qarabag will fight again tomorrow, and we have to do the same till the end,” said Alonso at Wednesday’s press conference. According to the Spaniard, the Werkself need “the right balance between stability and tempo in our own game” up against Azerbaijan’s champions. “We need to give everything on the pitch. And if we do that, then we’ve got a better chance of progressing.”

Stanisic: “Into the game with focus”

Alonso is also looking forward to the knockout match: “I love games like this where it’s all or nothing. They’re always special and can have an electric atmosphere. But we can’t be too emotional in how we do things tomorrow.” Stanisic also stressed at the press conference: “The appeal is perhaps a bit higher than normal in decisive games like this. If things go badly, we’re out and there’s no chance to put it right. But I’m confident we’ll go into the game with focus and feel well prepared. We won’t underestimate Qarabag and want to give our best, like in every game.”

crop_20240313_JS_PK_1424.jpg

The Croatia international has started eight times out of 11 competitive fixtures in 2024. “I’m more pleased with my playing time than at the start of the season. I had to adapt, but I think I’ve done that well. We’re a team. We wouldn’t be where we are right now, in all three competitions, without every individual player and a big squad.”

Alonso confirms Kovar will play

Visitors Qarabag have two key players back for the second leg after Julio Romao and Elvin Jafarguliyev served suspensions in Baku. Alonso added about the Azerbaijanis: “Qarabag have a good squad and good players. We need a convincing performance and the full support of our fans.”

The Spaniard also confirmed to the media that Matej Kovar will again start on Thursday. The Czech goalkeeper wasn’t in the squad to face Wolfsburg on Sunday due to a muscular issue but is ready for Qarabag. “Matej has told me he’s 100 percent fit, so he’ll play,” Alonso reported.

Related News

Marc Landwehr
eSports - 23.01.2026

#B04eSports: Nine points and big wins at start of Showdown four

A great start to the new eSports year as the Leverkusen professional gamers pick up nine points in the first three of six matches in the online preliminary round of the fourth showdown of the VBL Club Championship 2025/26. Between big wins, wonder goals and composed performances, there was plenty on offer against VfB Stuttgart, Hannover 96 and FC Augsburg.

Show more
Winter Sale
Fans - 23.01.2026

Werkself Winter Sale: Warm items at rock-bottom prices

In keeping with the current freezing temperatures, Bayer 04 has heavily discounted numerous winter items – from cozy hats and sporty matchday clothing to stylish fleece and winter jackets.

Show more
Gegner-Check
eSports - 22.01.2026

#B04eSports: The first opponents in the fourth showdown

The fourth showdown in the VBL Club Championship 2025/26 starts for the Leverkusen eSports team today, Thursday 22 January (live on the B04eSports Twitch channel and on the Bayer 04 app from 19:00 CET). In the online preliminary round, the Black and Reds will once again compete with six previously drawn opponents for a place in the Top 16 and the associated entry into the offline knockout round in Berlin on 2 February at the fourth showdown. The lowdown on our next three opponents in the online preliminary round.

Show more
Carlotta Wamser im Training
Women - 21.01.2026

Women travel to Union Berlin 'with great respect but also confidence'

A month on from the last match of the old year, the Werkself also play the first game of the new year in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga. Roberto Pätzold's side open Matchday 15 with the meeting at promoted side 1. FC Union Berlin on Friday (18:30 CET).

Show more