Back
27.08.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #FCCB04: ‘The first cup game is always special’

The Werkself start the DFB Pokal in 2024/25 tomorrow night, Wednesday 28 August (kick-off: 18.00 CEST), with a first round tie away to Regional League side FC Carl Zeiss Jena. Ahead of the match at the Ernst Abbe Sportfeld, head coach Xabi Alonso shared his views on confident opponents from Jena as well as his own squad ahead of tomorrow's match.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"We are looking forward to the Pokal, the first game is always special and exciting. We have to be well-prepared," said Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon. The tie on Wednesday night will be the third meeting of the two clubs in competitive matches. Both previous games were in the DFB Pokal and each ended in wins for the Werkself.

Tomorrow's game will definitely not be a walkover as Alonso stressed. The Spaniard sees the league leaders from the Regional League North East as being in a "good moment". The team under head coach Henning Bürger have won all five league matches this term with new striker Erik Weinhauer in the spotlight having already scored ten goals.

Alonso: "confidence in every player"

The Werkself will have the support of 1,600 fans in the Pokal opener in Jena with the full away allocation taken up. Xabi Alonso has several players missing at the moment. In addition to the suspended Victor Boniface and Martin Terrier, Odilon Kossounou is also ruled out for the red card he was shown in last season's cup final against Kaiserslautern (1-0). Exequiel Palacios, who is still in rehab, is also unavailable. Asked about a possible comeback for the World Cup and two-time Copa América winner, Alonso said: "We hope to have Pala back after the international break – that is the plan at least."

Asked about current personnel, Alonso added: "We have a big squad with lots of options. Rotation in the team will be important again this season as it was in the last. I have confidence in every individual player."

Related News

Bayer 04-Fans in der BayArena
Bayer 04 - 06.05.2026

Information on matchday and season ticket prices 2026/27 - Introduction of minimum season ticket use

Bayer 04 are introducing changes to the ticket price structure for the 2026/27 season. In addition to adjusting the ticket prices, the ticket categories will also be reorganised. All season ticket holders have already been informed of the changes by e-mail. The most important information at a glance.

Show more
A New Chapter | Ibo Maza: Familie und Religion sind sein größter Anker
Werkself-TV - 05.05.2026

A new chapter | Ibrahim Maza: Family and religion provide greatest support

Ibrahim Maza joined Bayer 04 from Hertha Berlin in the summer of 2025. The youngster from Berlin developed into a difference-maker in his first season with the Werkself. Find out what makes the highly talented player tick in this very personal interview. Among other things, Maza talks about his Algerian-Vietnamese-German home, the role of his family and the importance of Islam for him both in his private life and in football...

Show more
Ibrahim Maza
Bayer 04 - 04.05.2026

Vote now for Ibrahim Maza to be Bundesliga Rookie of the Season!

Bayer 04’s Ibrahim Maza is among the three nominees for the Bundesliga’s 2025/26 Rookie of the Season award. Fans have until 23:59 CEST on Thursday, 7 May to cast their votes in the official Bundesliga app.

Show more
Rekord: Frauen feiern 14. Saisonsieg in Essen | 24. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 03.05.2026

Women: TV-highlights of 4-0 win at SGS Essen

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 4-0 win at SGS Essen on the 24th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.

Show more