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

AD Duha aus Burkina Faso zu Besuch am Kurtekotten
Youth - 13.10.2026

Visit from Burkina Faso: Tapsoba and U19s host AD DUHA FC

Intercultural exchange: a youth team from Ouagadougou, the capital city of Burkina Faso, visited Leverkusen in the last few days. The players and staff from AD DUHA FC enjoyed a varied programme including training, a friendly - and a very special experience on Saturday afternoon.

Show more
eSports
eSports - 12.10.2026

#B04eSports: VBL Club Championship 2026/27 starts on 15 October

The new eSports season is just around the corner. The VBL Club Championship by WOW starts on Thursday 15 October (from 18:00 CEST). And, as every year, here’s an overview: What changes are there? What is staying the same?

Show more
Paneltalk „Rudi lädt ein“
Fans - 12.10.2026

“Rudi invites”: Football, Bayer 04 and Leverkusen during the Nazi period – tickets on sale now

Bayer 04 record-appearance maker Rüdiger Vollborn invites you to another evening in the popular ‘Rudi lädt ein’ series: on Tuesday 10 November, in collaboration with Bayer AG, the focus will be on the Nazi period. The focus will be on football, Bayer 04 and the city of Leverkusen.

Show more
Extreme Networks
Business - 12.10.2026

New network partner: Extreme Networks enters a five-year partnership

Bayer 04 Leverkusen has secured a new network partner in Extreme Networks GmbH. The leading provider of AI-powered network automation has agreed a five-year partnership with the Bundesliga club, running until 30 June 2031. As part of this, the club’s existing Wi-Fi 5 infrastructure will be replaced by more than 400 Wi-Fi 7 access points, which are specifically designed to meet the requirements of a stadium with a high user density. The aim is to enhance the fan experience while optimising operational processes and security.

Show more
Miguel Gutierrez
Bayer 04 - 11.10.2026

8 predecessors and 1 interview that made an impression: Facts & Fun with Miguel Gutiérrez | Werkself Magazine #56

New signing Miguel Gutiérrez has made a good start at Leverkusen and has promptly earned a nomination for Player of the Month in his first few weeks in the Bundesliga. He has scored one goal and provided three assists in four league games. The Spanish left-back has also brought some impressive stats with him to Bayer 04. Issue #56 of the Werkself magazine has taken a look at these figures. ‘Facts & Fun’ with Miguel Gutiérrez.

Show more