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

Montrell Culbreath gegen RB Leipzig
Bayer 04 - 08.07.2026

Golden Boy Top 100 featuring Culbreath and Co.: Bayer 04 with largest contingent in the Bundesliga

The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.

Show more
Rafaela Borggräfe
Women - 07.07.2026

Loan extension: Rafaela Borggräfe to stay at Bayer 04

Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.

Show more
Fernando Carro, Jorginho und Paulo Sergio in Rio de Janeiro
Bayer 04 - 07.07.2026

Bayer 04 provide long-term support for the Bola Pra Frente project in Rio de Janeiro – Jorginho named official club legend

The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.

Show more
Kristina Sundov
Women - 07.07.2026

Former player Kristina Sundov is new Bayer 04 Women’s team assistant coach

Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.

Show more
Victor Boniface, Kennet Eichhorn und Afonso Moreira
Bayer 04 - 06.07.2026

With Eichhorn and Moreira: Small group on training ground

The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.

Show more