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

BayArena erstrahlt lila
Social Commitment - 03.12.2025

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - BayArena lights up purple

The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated worldwide on 3 December. Together with Bayer AG, Bayer 04 is once again setting an example for diversity and inclusion by lighting up the BayArena in purple in the evening.

Show more
Amy Wrigge jubelt
Women - 03.12.2025

Piljic and Wrigge score for Germany: Bayer 04 Women international round-up

Two first goals, two victories and a total of eight players in action: During the international break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Werkself were represented on the international stage, particularly in two Germany junior teams. Bayer04.de provides an overview of the international fixtures.

Show more
Jubel nach Abpfiff in Dortmund
DFB-Pokal - 03.12.2025

Werkself review #BVBB04: ‘Very good defending’ brings DFB Pokal revenge

The Werkself have reached the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third time in a row. Thanks to a goal from Ibrahim Maza and, according to coach Kasper Hjulmand, a strong defensive performance, Bayer 04 once again defeated a Bundesliga rival in the DFB Pokal tie in Dortmund. The Werkself review of the 1-0 win at Signal Iduna Park.

Show more
Jonas Hofmann und Ibrahim Maza nach dem 1:0
DFB-Pokal - 02.12.2025

1-0 in Dortmund - Werkself progress to the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal!

A thriller with a successful outcome! The Werkself won the round of 16 clash at Borussia Dortmund by a goal to nil thanks to a 34th-minute strike from Ibrahim Maza. It means they'll be in the DFB Pokal come the spring!

Show more