Back
30.08.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #B04RBL: ‘Opponents with individual and collective quality'

The Werkself entertain RB Leipzig in the first league home game of the 2024/25 season on Saturday night, 31 August (kick-off: 18.30 CEST at the BayArena and live on Sky). Head coach Xabi Alonso is expecting a top level encounter in the big match against the team from Saxony. The Spaniard also talked about his squad at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon…

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

Xabi Alonso is looking forward to the first match at home with "great anticipation." After overcoming FC Carl Zeiss Jena in the first round of the DFB Pokal (1-0) last Wednesday, the Spaniard said the following: "We know we haven't reached our highest level up to now. That's why want to carry on working. It's a process to achieve that level but it's our aim and we’re focused on that. And I'm confident we can do it too."

Alonso: "Top match at Champions League level"

Alonso is expecting a "top match at Champions League level" on Saturday night. The 42-year-old coach rates Leipzig as "very good opponents with very strong individual and collective quality and a great coach."

Personnel: Hradecky sidelined, Tah to start

Alonso has nearly a full squad for the clash with the team under Leipzig head coach Marco Rose. Midfielder Exequiel Palacios is not yet available. The Argentinian continues to take part in rehab training. Lukas Hradecky will be replaced by Matej Kovar in goal. Hradecky has not trained this week due to illness and is not fully fit.

Alonso did confirmed that defender Jonathan Tah will play from the start. The 42-year-old also spoke positively about the new signing Nordi Mukiele who will be in the Werkself squad for the first time tomorrow: "Of course, he's only trained with us for two days. But he's made a very good impression. He's come to us very hungry, wants to have fun and enjoy the football. We are very happy with him and pleased he’s here with us."

Alonso: "we are happy with the squad"

The Spaniard also talked about the squad on deadline day: "Speculation during the transfer window is completely normal, that's football. But we are relaxed. We are happy with the squad. We have a lot of competition for every position and therefore are only focused on ourselves."

Home sections full

The home sections at the BayArena are completely sold-out for the game against RB Leipzig. Accordingly, Alonso is looking forward to another "great atmosphere" in the first home game in the new Bundesliga season. 1,000 fans are expected to travel from Saxony to the Rhineland.

Related News

Women: TV-highlights of 2-0 win against Hamburger SV
Werkself-TV - 07.11.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 2-0 win against Hamburger SV

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04 Women's 2-0 win against Hamburger SV on Matchday 9 of the 2026/27 Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga.

Show more
Maja Sternad
Women - 06.11.2026

Bayer 04 Women ‘won’t lose sight of our goals’ as HSV visit

After back-to-back away defeats, Bayer 04 Women now face their penultimate home fixture of 2026 as they welcome Hamburg to the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion on Saturday (14:00 CET) seeking three important points in the Google Pixel Bundesliga.

Show more
Die Werkself nach Abpfiff bei den Fans
Europa League - 06.11.2026

Werkself review: ‘Recover, improve and fight for a positive result on Sunday’

It was a UEFA Europa League fixture that came down to fine margins as Bayer 04 ultimately ended up on the wrong side of a one-goal game at home to Marseille on Thursday – the Werkself’s first loss of the European campaign. However, Leverkusen are still well on track to reach the knockout rounds with nine points on the board at the league phase’s halfway stage. Still, Carles Martínez and his team want to learn from the loss heading into Sunday’s Bundesliga derby at Köln.

Show more
Facundo Medina für Argentinien
Bayer 04 - 06.11.2026

November internationals: Medina & Fernández in Argentina squad, Quansah selected for England

Several Werkself players are set to represent their national teams during the final international break of 2026. Here’s an overview of who has been called up and what matches they will face in November. This article will be updated regularly.

Show more
Highlights of 0-1 loss against Olympique Marseille | 4th matchday UEL
Werkself-TV - 05.11.2026

Highlights of 0-1 loss against Olympique Marseille

Werkself TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 0-1 loss against Olympique Marseille on Matchday 4 of the 2026/27 Europa League season...

Show more