Back
8.03.2025Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #B04SVW: ‘Want to go flat out in every game’

The Werkself are finally back at the BayArena three weeks after the last home game. Ahead of the clash against Werder Bremen on Saturday, 8 March (kick-off: 15:30 CET), head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the rhythm of the weeks with midweek matches and the reverse fixture in Bremen.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

“The mood is better today than yesterday. We have discussed everything as usual, we have to be professional and focus on the next game,” said Xabi Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. “Today we had our first and last training session in preparation for tomorrow. We are ready!“

Asked about the rhythm of the weeks with midweek matches and the Bundesliga games in between two Champions League clashes Alonso said: “We’re used to that so it shouldn’t be a problem for us. We need fresh legs and clear heads regardless of the individual competition. We want to go flat out in every game.”

Andrich still ill, Tapsoba fit

Looking back at the 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in Bremen, where the Werkself gave away the lead on 90 minutes at the end of October, Alonso declared: “We need more energy and more clarity for this return fixture.”

The long-term injured players Jeanuel Belocian and Martin Terrier plus Robert Andrich, as in Munich, will not be available. Alonso: “He still has flu and doesn’t feel better yet.” With Edmond Tapsoba nothing is standing in the way of 90 minutes on the pitch.

Bayer Sports Family matchday

In this home game against Werder Bremen in front of a full house at the BayArena it is again a Bayer Sports Family matchday. There will numerous events on the concourses with the Bayer sports clubs and Bayer AG providing a special backdrop. The programme of events start when the stadium opens at 13:30 CET with a wide range of highlights on offer.

 

Related News

Andrich gegen Hezze
Champions League - 24.02.2026

0-0 draw with Olympiacos puts Werkself in Champions League Round of 16

A disciplined defensive performance in the second leg saw Bayer 04 prevail against Olympiacos in the play-offs of the UEFA Champions League 2025/26. Thanks to the 2-0 away win in the first leg, the goalless draw at home at the BayArena was enough to ensure progress to the next round. The Black and Reds kept their opponents away from their goal for the best part of 90 minutes.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #B04OLY
Champions League - 24.02.2026

Matchday news #B04OLY: Focused on the second leg - Kießling and Flekken on Werkself Radio

Bayer 04 can go through to the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League for the ninth time tonight, 24 February (kick-off: 21:00 CET) and be in the top 16 clubs in Europe. A good omen: Leverkusen have progressed to the next round after winning the first leg in 20 of their 22 knockout rounds in European competitions to date. For their part, Greek record champions Olympiacos rested several players for last weekend’s league fixture ahead of the play-off second leg at the BayArena and will now do everything in their power to turn the tide with their usual aggressive and high pressing. The discussions on Werkself radio are likely to be just as intense as the battle on the pitch, with commentator Florian Bechholz welcoming honorary captain Stefan Kießling and goalkeeper Mark Flekken. Today’s matchday news.

Show more
Die PK mit Hjulmand und Blaswich vor dem Rückspiel gegen Piräus | Play-offs UCL
Werkself-TV - 23.02.2026

Hjulmand ahead of #B04OLY: ‘Take the game very seriously, it's not over yet’

With the advantage of the 2-0 first-leg win in the play-offs, the Werkself are looking to book their place in the last 16 of the UEFA Champions League at the sold-out BayArena. Ahead of the home game against Olympiacos on Tuesday, 24 February (kick-off: 21:00 CET), coach Kasper Hjulmand and goalkeeper Janis Blaswich spoke about the position ahead of the match, the visitors' strength at set-pieces and a personnel issue for the home side.

Show more
Panagiotis Retsos gegen Patrik Schick
Champions League - 23.02.2026

Opponents update - Mendilibar: ‘We need to be more precise in our finishing’

With a win in the Greek Super League last weekend, Olympiacos achieved success on the pitch ahead of the UEFA Champions League play-off second leg at Bayer 04 on Tuesday, 24 February (kick-off: 21:00 CET). Coach José Luis Mendilibar rested many of his regular starters.

Show more