Alonso ahead of #FCBB04: ‘Perhaps we face the toughest league game of the season'

"Perhaps we face the toughest game of the season in the Bundesliga," said Xabi Alonso at the start of the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. However, the Spaniard is full of anticipation for the top clash at the record champions and he is demanding the highest levels of concentration: "Games at the Allianz Arena are tough and it's always been like that. We have a clear approach to the game, we can't be too hesitant and we mustn't allow big gaps." Alonso added: "We need an almost perfect performance if we want to get a result in Munich."

Alonso: "have to be ready for all Situations"

Bayern Munich currently top the Bundesliga table ahead of the Werkself in second place with four wins in four games and a goal difference of plus 13 (16-3). The team led by head coach Vincent Kompany have scored 20 goals in the last three games across all competitions. Alonso said about the impressive start to the season for FC Bayern: "Vincent has a good influence on the team. They are playing with great energy and have good ideas." Therefore it is clear to the Werkself coach: "We have to be ready for all situations, it will be a big challenge as always."

The Werkself attack has again been strong this season. The Black and Reds have the second highest number of goals in the Bundesliga this season with 13 to date. At the same time, Alonso does know that nine goals conceded in four games are too many: "It's difficult to win games if we don't defend well. But that does not only apply to the defenders. It's down to the whole team. We've analysed the last few matches and had time this week to work on it."

team update – big Support in munich

For the clash with FC Bayern, to be broadcast in over 200 countries, Xabi Alonso has a full squad and he shared the following information in reply to a question on Exequiel Palacios: "Everybody's ready for 90 minutes." The team will set off for the capital of Bavaria on Friday afternoon after the final pre-match training session.

Alonso and his team can look forward to great support on the road: 7,500 Leverkusen supporters will be at the game at the Allianz Arena. The demand for tickets was very high with the whole away allocation sold out after a day.