Alonso ahead of #B04SAL: ‘Forthcoming home games will be crucial'

Alonso: "We know how important these two coming home games in the Champions League against Salzburg and Inter Milan are. We are in a positive position now and if we carry on like that then we will have a good opportunity of finishing in the top eight teams in the table." The course to follow is clear: "Every match in this competition is difficult and dangerous but we want to enjoy it and, above all, come out on top at home."

Arthur: "we are a big family here"

Arthur, who has yet to play in the Champions League, showed himself to be ready: "I have the support of the team and the coach and I feel ready – above all after my assist last Saturday against Heidenheim. I've trained on that situation all week. Therefore it felt like a goal for me because I was able to provide direct support for my teammates."

The Brazilian, who spoke German throughout the press conference, added: "I feel really good on and off the pitch here. I feel physically better than I did before my injury. I've worked a lot and I trust my body." He was positive about the competition for places with Jeremie Frimpong and Nathan Tella: "I'm playing with two good friends in the same position. We can learn from each other every day. The atmosphere is great. We are a big family here."

Alonso on the opponents: "brave team with great desire"

Alonso described Salzburg as a top-quality opponent with "young players who show great spirit on the pitch, are brave and also have great dynamism and good technique and are able to produce a very intense performance. The style of play of the Austrians is also "greatly influenced by RB Leipzig but also from Liverpool through the coach Pepijn Lijnders."

Personnel: three U19 players in squad

Alonso will have to manage without six players (Martin Terrier, Victor Boniface, Jeanuel Belocian, Nordi Mukiele, Jonas Hofmann, Amine Adli).

The 43-year-old coach is still optimistic: "Playing every two or three days is very demanding physically for our players. In the current situation we have to make efficient decisions and also be creative. All our players are ready at any time and that's why I remain positive." Some good news: With Ben Hawighorst (U17), Francis Onyeka and Artem Stepanov (both U19) there are three players from the Werkself youth squads.

Alonso: "we need positive energy from the fans"

Another full house in the home support at the BayArena is expected. 800 fans are expected from Salzburg. Alonso finished with an appeal to the Bayer 04 fans: "We always feel their support. And in our current situation we need their positive energy. They can give us an enormous boost in good and bad moments."