Back
12.01.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #FCAB04: Ready for new year and the challenges

The opening fixture of 2024 also represents the conclusion of the best first half of a Bundesliga campaign in Leverkusen’s history. That comes with Matchday 17 as the Werkself visit Augsburg on Saturday, 13 January (15:30 CET). Ahead of the game, head coach Xabi Alonso gave his assessment of training so far, absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations, and an improved Augsburg.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

“The winter break was good for us, enjoying a breather with our families. But now we’re glad to get going again,” Alonso stated at his press conference on Friday. “The players have come back with very good energy and in a good condition. We had a high tempo in training from the start. I also liked the friendly match [against Venezia]. We’re absolutely ready, although it’s always tough in Augsburg.” The Werkself in fact lost both meetings with the Bavarians last season.

Augsburg have been much better under Jess Thorup, earning 13 of their 18 points this season since the Dane took over in mid-October. “They’ve very much improved since then, also playing well in their friendly against Hoffenheim [1-0 win],” added Alonso. Augsburg rank bottom of the Bundesliga this season for possession (41.2%), while the Werkself are second with (60.7%), just behind Bayern Munich (61%).

“Great confidence in every player”

Bayer 04 go to Augsburg without the injured Arthur and Victor Boniface, while Odilon Kossounou, Edmond Tapsoba and Amine Adli are competing at the Africa Cup of Nations. “We were prepared for the situation with the Cup of Nations,” Alonso explained. “We have a good squad and everyone is looking good.”

One of those is Patrik Schick, who bagged a hat-trick in the final game of last year against Bochum. “Patrik is very dangerous in the box and has excellent positional play. He’s also ready for 90 minutes,” the Spaniard stated before also mentioning: “Adam [Hlozek] can play there as well and is in good form. Same with Amine. We’ve got great confidence in every player in general.” It means the club is not under any pressure to sign any additional players. When asked, however, Alonso added: “But if a good option comes up, we’re ready.”

Record support in Augsburg

The Werkself will enjoy great support in Augsburg with 2,300 away fans accompanying the team, which is three times more than have ever watched Leverkusen at the WWK Arena.

The club can also announce at the start of this year that the number of away season tickets sold over the winter break has risen by over 200%.

Related News

Willkommen in Leverkusen, Afonso Moreira! Erstes Interview und exklusive Aufnahmen
Werkself-TV - 18.06.2026

Afonso Moreira: First interview and exclusive footage 🎥👋

From his arrival at the airport, the medical and contract signing, right through to photo shoots, his very own trading card and his first interview at the BayArena: Werkself TV followed new signing Afonso Moreira up close on his first day in Leverkusen. In the interview, the 21-year-old Portuguese left-winger, who has joined the Werkself from Lyon, talks about his excitement ahead of joining Bayer 04 and the Bundesliga, as well as his conversation with head coach Carles Martínez. Moreira also reveals the secret behind his iconic goal celebration – which he intends to perform “as often as possible” at the BayArena next season...

Show more
Clinton Wilson mit Bernd Korzynietz und Kim Falkenberg
U19 - 18.06.2026

Bayer 04 sign Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04

A new signing for the U19s: Bayer 04 have signed winger Clinton Wilson from Schalke 04. The 18-year-old previously played for Leverkusen youth teams from January to June 2024.

Show more
Ida Daedelow
Women - 17.06.2026

Ida Daedelow signs for VfL Bochum

After eight years, Ida Daedelow is set to leave Bayer 04 Leverkusen. The 18-year-old, whose original contract was due to run to 2027, is joining second-division side VfL Bochum.

Show more
Die Trainer-Konstellationen 2026/27 im Aufbaubereich
Youth - 16.06.2026

Youth: Coaching line-ups for U11 to U15 teams in 2026/27

As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.

Show more