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"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.
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."
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Kennet Eichhorn. Bayer 04 have signed the 16-year-old midfielder from Hertha Berlin. Read on to find out more about our new signing.
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