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

Kopenhagen
Champions League - 16.09.2025

Visiting FC Copenhagen - travel tips for the Champions League match

Bayer 04 are away to FC Copenhagen on the first matchday of the league phase in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League. The game against the Danish record champions is on Thursday, 18 September (kick-off: 18:45 CEST) at the Parken Stadium. Ahead of the match, here are some travel tips from Bayer 04 partner weloveholidays for all travelling fans of the Werkself.

Show more
Women secure first win of the season against Union Berlin thanks to new trio | 2nd matchday
Werkself-TV - 15.09.2025

Women: TV-highlights of 3-2 win against Union Berlin

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 3-2 win against 1. FC Union Berlin on the 2nd matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26...

Show more
Kevin Brok
Youth - 15.09.2025

After Runge moves up to first team coaching staff: Brok becomes U19 head coach, Adam takes over U17s

The successor to Sergi Runge as head coach of the Bayer 04 U19 team has been decided. Following the Spaniard's appointment to Kasper Hjulmand's first team coaching staff, the current U17 head coach Kevin Brok (photo) will be responsible for the U19s until the end of the season. As a result, Benjamin Adam will also move up a year and will now coach the U17s instead of the U16s, also until the end of the season. The structure of the coaching and support staff will remain unchanged.

Show more
Begegnungslogos
Bundesliga - 15.09.2025

Tickets for away fixture at Mainz 05

The Werkself are away to Mainz 05 on matchday 7 of the 2025/26 Bundesliga season. The game at the MEWA ARENA is on Saturday, 18 October, with the kick-off at 15.30 CEST. Read on for information on ticket sales.

Show more