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

Kurzpässe vor #SGEB04
Bundesliga - 31.01.2026

Matchday news #SGEB04: Extend longest winning run - Eintracht with interim coaches

The thrilling 3-1 win for Bayer 04 against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Hinrunde is a fond memory for Alejandro Grimaldo, with his brace from free kicks, and coach Kasper Hjulmand, who was in the dugout under the Cross for the first time. Now comes the return fixture in the metropolis on the River Main and after going out of the DFB Pokal and the Champions League, the full focus at Eintracht, currently managed by two interim coaches, is now on the Bundesliga. For their part, the Werkself will do everything in their power to continue the longest winning run against a Bundesliga club. The matchday news.

Show more
Artem Stepanov
Bayer 04 - 30.01.2026

Artem Stepanov recalled from Nürnberg and loaned to Utrecht

Bayer 04 have ended Artem Stepanov’s loan deal at Nürnberg and agreed a new loan to Utrecht in the Netherlands. The Ukrainian striker did not play as much as hoped for at the Bundesliga 2 club and will now continue his development in the Eredivisie for the rest of 2025/26.

Show more
Die PK vor dem Auswärtsspiel bei Eintracht Frankfurt | 20. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 30.01.2026

Hjulmand ahead of #SGEB04: ‘Build on our good performances’

After back-to-back wins at home, Bayer 04 are now out for their first away win of 2026 as they visit Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday (15:30 CET). Ahead of the Matchday 20 fixture in the Bundesliga, Kasper Hjulmand spoke about renewed confidence, Frankfurt’s recent issues and Patrik Schick’s form so far this year.

Show more
Eintracht Frankfurt
Bundesliga - 30.01.2026

Our next opponents: Frankfurt turn attentions to Bundesliga

Eintracht Frankfurt are yet to win a game in 2026 and have managed only one victory in their last 12 competitive fixtures. Having already been eliminated from the DFB Pokal and the UEFA Champions League, the Eagles are now focusing solely on the Bundesliga as they seek to get their season back on track with the visit of the Werkself on Saturday afternoon. Here’s the lowdown on our next opponents…

Show more