Back
7.12.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #B04STP: “Play in a creative and clinical way”

Bayer 04 take on St. Pauli in the Bundesliga for the first time in 13 years in front of a sold-out BayArena crowd on Saturday (kick-off: 3.30pm CET). Ahead of the game, head coach Xabi Alonso spoke about Pauli’s “structure and dynamic”, as well as options in attack in the absence of Patrik Schick and the final run to the end of the year.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

“We want the next win tomorrow,” Alonso said at his press conference on Friday. The Werkself have won their last four in a row across all competitions, but the Spaniard is now expecting to face an opponent with “good understanding of their play and a good structure. They’re dynamic in their tactics and formation. We’re expecting a well-drilled opponent. That’s why we need to play in a creative and clinical way, to play our own game.”

“Several options” in Schick’s absence

When asked for a fitness update, Alonso confirmed that Schick won’t be available after suffering a calf issue in Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Bayern Munich. “Maybe he’ll be back for Tuesday,” the 43-year-old stated. “But we’ve got several options for who starts up front tomorrow. That could be Nathan [Tella], Flo [Wirtz], Martin [Terrier]. We’ll see. Players being out is annoying, but it always presents new chances and opportunities. We’ll accept the situation and have a solution.”

Alonso also said of Tella: “The goal against Bayern was a relief for all of us and also Nathan personally. He’s an important player for us, has always had a big impact from the bench.”

The position of goalkeeper was also discussed at the press conference. “We’ve also got healthy competition in goal. Lukas [Hradecky] and Matej [Kovar] are both very important, just like Lombo [Niklas Lomb]. The most important thing is they’re all in good form. We can rely on all of them.”

“Good feeling” going into final four games before Christmas

Following this game at home to St. Pauli there’s then next week’s UEFA Champions League encounter with Inter Milan at the BayArena before a Bundesliga visit to Augsburg and then a home fixture with Freiburg. Going into the final four games of the year, Alonso appeared confident: “We want to build on the most recent performances and results. We’ve got a good feeling.”

Related News

Jubel von Sofie Zdebel
Women - 12.03.2026

February Goal of the Month: Derby stunner from Sofie Zdebel nominated

Sofie Zdebel is up for the Goal of the Month award for February on ARD-Sportschau. Fans have until 21 March (19:00 CET) to vote for the Germany U23 international's volley to make it 2-0 in the Bayer 04 Women's derby against FC Köln (2-1).

Show more
PerNaturam wird neuer Partner der Bayer 04-Frauen
Women - 12.03.2026

Feed manufacturer PerNaturam is new Bayer 04 Women’s team partner

Bayer 04 Leverkusen are further expanding their partner network: The feed manufacturer PerNaturam is an official sponsor of the Bayer 04 Womens team. The partnership opens up a wide range of opportunities for the company to position its brand in the Bundesliga environment.

Show more
Training beim Juniorinnen-Talenttag
Women - 12.03.2026

Junior talent day in spring: Open trials on 12 April

Do you dream of wearing the Bayer cross on your chest? To play in black and red like your role models Loreen Bender, Cornelia Kramer, Kristin Kögel and co. from the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga? Then take your chance now! Our female youth teams are once again on the lookout for new talent. That's why Bayer 04 are organising a talent day on 12 April 2026 for the first time this year with trials for female juniors.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04ARS
Champions League - 11.03.2026

Matchday news #B04ARS: Double reunion in Round of 16 first leg against flawless Gunners

Arsenal, one of the favourites in the UCL, visit the BayArena for the first leg in the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16. Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapie, two long-serving Bayer 04 players, are set to return to the BayArena for the first time since leaving the club. As part of the match against the Gunners, fans can look forward to exciting Sound of Dreams festival activities at the stadium. Club members can also secure another SoD Unplugged ticket for a chance to win a special prize. Today’s matchday news.

Show more
Die PK mit Hjulmand und Kofane vor dem Achtelfinal-Hinspiel gegen Arsenal | Achtelfinale UCL
Werkself-TV - 10.03.2026

Hjulmand ahead of #B04ARS: Full of anticipation for ‘one of the most difficult challenges’

A Champions League showdown at the BayArena awaits. On Wednesday night, 11 March (kick-off: 18:45 CET), the Werkself face Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. Ahead of the clash with the Premier League leaders, head coach Kasper Hjulmand spoke about the Gunners' exceptional strength at set-pieces, a returning striker and "believing in yourself". Forward Christian Kofane also spoke about the approach to the Round of 16 tie and congratulated his personal idol - whose previous success also motivates him for forthcoming challenges.

Show more