Back
2.12.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #FCBB04: “Almost like a final for us”

The games continue to come thick and fast for Bayer 04, with the next on Tuesday as Xabi Alonso and his team visit Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the DFB Pokal (kick-off: 8.45pm CET). The Spaniard spoke at his press conference ahead of the match about how to approach the tie, the opposition and two players set to return from injury.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

Alonso’s excitement ahead of such a huge fixture was evident from the start. “The DFB Pokal is a special competition. We have special memories of last year. Tomorrow’s tie is a top game for both sides. It’s almost like a final and the biggest challenge in the cup. We’ll approach it positively and fight for our chance.”

Alonso: “Need a complete performance”

Speaking of the opposition, Alonso said of his former club: “We know how tough it is to play in Munich. They’re definitely always favourites at home. They’re showing that right now in every competition. They play at high speed, with lots of pressing and also good counter-pressing.” According to the Spaniard, it means his team will need a “complete performance”, adding, “Obviously we’ll need to be ready to defend deeper sometimes. That’s normal against such an opponent. But not always. We definitely want to press and play with the ball.”

Terrier and Belocian to return

Alonso will have two more players at his disposal in Munich, with forward Martin Terrier and defender Jeanuel Belocian both fit again and ready to play. “It’s really important for us to have more energy as the game wears on and to have more possibilities to be decisive. We’re pleased both are back,” he stated.

The 43-year-old also had words of praise for Patrik Schick following his run of six goals in the last four games. “He’s not just done well in terms of his goals lately but also done a lot of other things right, sometimes against tough defenders. He’s in top form now. We’ll need that again tomorrow,” Alonso confirmed.

Some 5,000 Leverkusen fans will be inside the Allianz Arena to support the DFB Pokal holders as they look to reach the quarter-finals.

Related News

Herbstcamp mit Loreen Bender und Selina Ostermeier
Football Academy - 29.10.2026

Bender and Ostermeier visit Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp

A special afternoon at the Bayer 04 Football Academy autumn camp: At the Liga 20 indoor football centre, in the shadow of the BayArena, two Werkself women’s team players led a training session. Loreen Bender and Selina Ostermeier not only offered the young players advice and support, but also got stuck in themselves.

Show more
Feierlichkeiten mit den Fans nach Abpfiff
DFB-Pokal - 29.10.2026

Werkself review: ‘We never lost our belief’

Once the final whistle was blown, it was time to take a deep breath. 2-0 down and a 5–2 win in the end. It was a nerve-wracking affair against FC Nürnberg in the second round of the 2026–27 DFB Pokal. Jonas Hofmann said – “We didn’t let our heads drop” – hitting the nail on the head. Indeed, it was clear the Werkself were not prepared to accept elimination from the DFB Pokal. So they went on to score. The Black and Reds made their presence felt with a goal just before half-time, followed by four more in the second half. Or, to put it another way: Edmond Tapsoba’s first Bayer 04 brace, a clinical penalty from Patrik Schick, yet another precision strike from Hofmann and a blistering volley from Lucas Vázquez. Each goal more beautiful than the last! After the match, head coach Carles Martínez praised his team’s commitment above all else and the fact that they never lost belief in themselves. The Werkself review.

Show more
TV highlights of 5-2 win against Nürnberg | 2nd round DFB-Pokal
Werkself-TV - 28.10.2026

TV highlights of 5-2 win against Nürnberg

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 5-2 win against 1. FC Nürnberg in the second round of the DFB-Pokal 2026/27...

Show more
Die Werkself jubelt!
DFB-Pokal - 28.10.2026

Werkself come from behind to beat Nürnberg 5-2 in DFB Pokal

Bayer 04 came from 2-0 down to beat Nürnberg 5-2 in the second round of the 2026/27 DFB Pokal on Wednesday night. Edmond Tapsoba’s double either side of half-time sparked the turnaround, before Patrik Schick, Jonas Hofmann and Lucas Vázquez ensured progress to the last 16 for the 2024 cup winners.

Show more