Back
31.10.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #B04VfB: ‘We can expect a big game'

A top encounter at the start of Bundesliga Matchday 9: The Werkself entertain VfB Stuttgart at the BayArena on Friday, 1 November (kick-off: 20.30 CET/live on DAZN and the Werkself Radio). At the pre-match press conference, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the always exciting clashes with the Swabians and the clean sheet problem in the Bundesliga.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

The Werkself and VfB Stuttgart meet for the fifth time within just eleven months. "The last matches against Stuttgart were all very exciting, intense and emotional. Not just for the fans and the players but also for us as coaches. I was always really exhausted after the last matches against them," declared Xabi Alonso with a smile at the pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon. "We can expect a big game. I have a good feeling."

Like Bayer 04, VfB Stuttgart also have a packed fixture list at the moment. The Swabian side have been very successful in recent weeks: A first victory in the UEFA Champions League away to Juventus was followed by wins against Holstein Kiel (Bundesliga; 2-1) and FC Kaiserslautern (DFB Pokal; 2-1). Alonso: "They have a lot of quality and you can see that in every game. I have great respect for Sebastian and his work. We will have to produce our best performance levels on and off the ball."

Unavailable for the game are Amine Adli (broken leg) and Jeanuel Belocian, who has undergone a minor operation this week after persistent ankle problems.

Alonso on conceding goals in the league

The Werkself have conceded at least one goal in the first eight Bundesliga matches with a combined total of 15. "Of course, we are not happy about that. It's a big challenge for us to improve our defensive performances. We are hoping for a clean sheet tomorrow," said Alonso in response to a question.

The last clean sheet for Bayer 04 was on Tuesday against SV 07 Elversberg (3-0) in the DFB Pokal, following on from the first round away to Carl Zeiss Jena (1-0) and in the Champions League games against Feyenoord (4-0) and AC Milan (1-0).

Related News

Frauen beenden Saison nach Niederlage gegen Bremen auf Platz fünf | 26. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 17.05.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 1-3 loss against Werder Bremen on the 26th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more
Niederlage zum Saisonabschluss für die Werkself
Women - 17.05.2026

Bayer 04 Women finish season in fifth after defeat to Bremen

Bayer 04 Women have finished in fifth place after the best Bundesliga season in the club's history in terms of points. Roberto Pätzold's side went down 3-1 at home to SV Werder Bremen on the final matchday. With 46 points and 15 wins, they've bettered the previous record campaign of 2024/25. Despite periods of pressure, Cornelia Kramer's 73rd-minute strike was not enough at the Ulrich-Haberland-Stadion, and the Werkself miss out on European qualification despite a strong end to the season.

Show more
Sofie Zdebel and Achim Feifel
Women - 17.05.2026

Bayer 04 agree contract extension with U23 international Sofie Zdebel ahead of schedule

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed a conract extension with home-grown talent Sofie Zdebel by a further year ahead of schedule. The 21-year-old Germany U23 international will stay at the club until 30 June 2028.

Show more
Patrik Schick
Bundesliga - 17.05.2026

Werkself review #B04HSV: ‘Small details that make the difference at this level’

After the final whistle in the home match against Hamburger SV, it showed once again that the Bayer 04 community sticks together. The team thanked the fans for their great support in a season with highs and lows and a sixth-place finish in the Bundesliga. The Black and Reds will compete in the UEFA Europa League next season. The last Werkself review in 2025/26 has all the analysis.

Show more
Ibrahim Maza gegen den HSV
Bundesliga - 16.05.2026

Werkself finish Bundesliga in sixth place after 1-1 draw with Hamburg

Bayer 04 could only manage a 1-1 draw at home to Hamburg in the final game of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season as they finish in sixth place and qualify for the UEFA Europa League. Patrik Schick missed a first-half penalty before Fabio Vieira put the visitors ahead on the hour. Jarell Quansah’s deflected header in the 79th minute earned a point to finish the campaign.

Show more