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

Maja Sternad trifft entscheidend
Women - 14.10.2026

Women’s internationals: World Cup dream still alive for Sternad and Tomasiak

The international break produced a full range of emotions for Bayer 04’s women. While four Leverkusen players were in play-off action to try and reach the World Cup, including two important goals, there were others in friendly action. Here’s a round-up of all the results…

Show more
Vintage Kollektion von Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 14.10.2026

NB Vintage Collection: Zippers, sweaters, joggers and T-shirts

The NB Vintage Collection is here and available now! Members enjoy an exclusive priority purchase period (online shop only). Non-members will then be able to purchase items from Saturday 17 October (10:00 CEST). Sales will also begin at the same time at the Bayer 04 Fanwelt.

Show more
AD Duha aus Burkina Faso zu Besuch am Kurtekotten
Youth - 13.10.2026

Visit from Burkina Faso: Tapsoba and U19s host AD DUHA FC

Intercultural exchange: a youth team from Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso, visited Leverkusen in the last few days. The players and staff from AD DUHA FC enjoyed a varied programme including training, a friendly - and a very special experience on Saturday afternoon.

Show more
Werner Wenning und Wolfgang Nickl
Bayer 04 - 13.10.2026

From 1 January 2027: Wolfgang Nickl to succeed Werner Wenning as shareholder committee chairman

There will be a change at the top of the Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fußball GmbH shareholder committee at the end of the year, with Werner Wenning stepping down from the Bundesliga club's control committee on 31 December 2026. Wolfgang Nickl, who has been part of the committee since March of this year, will take over the chairmanship on 1 January 2027.

Show more