Back
26.05.2023Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #BOCB04: ‘Every action important – for the game and our future'

A tough challenge on the home straight: The Werkself are away to VfL Bochum on the final matchday in the 2022/23 Bundesliga campaign. The kick-off at the Vonovia Ruhrstadion – as at all other stadiums – on Saturday 27 May is at 15.30 CEST. For the team under head coach Xabi Alonso, the aim is to hold on to sixth place to qualify for Europe. The hosts from Bochum are looking to ensure their top-flight status. Head coach Xabi Alonso is expecting an "intense atmosphere" for this significant encounter.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"We saw last Sunday what happens if you relax too early. Therefore, I'm certain we will play with the right mentality," said the Spaniard looking back at the 2-2 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach before warning: "Every action will be important – for the game and our future."

Alonso: "we expect lots of duels"

For the game against VfL Bochum, the 41-year-old boss is expecting "lots of duels." Alonso also said that Bochum will "play with high energy." Therefore, it will be a necessity "to defend well first of all."

For the match in Bochum, the head coach will continue to have to manage without Robert Andrich and Odilon Kossounou plus Patrik Schick and Karim Bellarabi. In addition, Kerem Demirbay is suspended after picking up a fifth yellow card, Piero Hincapie is serving a three-match ban after being sent off.

3,000 Leverkusen Fans at the game

The Werkself will receive strong support in this crucial season finale from 3,000 travelling fans making the journey to the Vonovia Ruhrstadion to get behind the team.

Alonso rounded off by saying: "We know the great significance of the match. We have been through a development over the last three or four months. It was a process where we wanted to be rewarded with a sixth-place finish. We want to win, that is completely clear – for us, for the fans, for the club."

The possible scenarios for the outcome of the game can be found HERE.

Related News

Tim Oermann
Bayer 04 - 29.05.2025

Profile of new signing Tim Oermann

Bayer 04 have signed Tim Oermann on a contract to 2029. The central defender, who can also play at right-back, joins the Werkself from VfL Bochum following their relegation from the Bundesliga. Bayer 04 will loan out the Germany U21 international to the Austrian champions SK Sturm Graz for the 2025/26 season. Bayer04.de profiles Oermann.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 29.05.2025

Bayer 04 sign defender Oermann from VfL Bochum

Bayer 04 have signed defender Tim Oermann. The central defender, who can also play at right-back, joins the Werkself from VfL Bochum following their relegation from the Bundesliga. The 21-year-old has a contract to 30 June 2029. Bayer 04 will loan out the Germany U21 international to the champions of Austria SK Sturm Graz for the 2025/26 campaign.

Show more
Wirtz
Bayer 04 - 28.05.2025

VDV votes Florian Wirtz as Player of the Season 2024/25

The Silver Boot award from the VDV players union: Werkself player Florian Wirtz has again been voted Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2024/25 by his fellow professionals following on from his win last season in 2023/24.

Show more
Bayer 04
Bayer 04 - 28.05.2025

Internationals: Nations League semi-finals and World Cup qualifiers await

After the end of the competitive season for Bayer 04, the Werkself players still have a few international matches to look forward to at the beginning of June. In the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League, for example, the German national team will face Portugal, while the next World Cup qualifiers and a number of friendly matches will take place. An overview.

Show more