"After the cup exit, we're now in a different situation and fully focused on the league," stressed Alonso, outlining the strategy for the rest of the season. "We're still in an interesting position in it. There are seven games left and we want to be ready for every one. We want to win all these matches, starting tomorrow."
An honest assessment of the 2-1 defeat at Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB Cup semi-finals was also necessary for that. "We all spoke openly together yesterday to share our emotions," revealed the Spaniard. "Above all it was about mentality and courage. Pain is normal after such a big disappointment. We've not had too many setbacks in the last 25 months - the team and I need to learn from it. It would be foolish to do otherwise. From today, though, the focus is back on football and on Heidenheim. We want to show a clear reaction tomorrow," he continued. To do that, they need "confidence on the ball and good passing sequences" again, explained Alonso.
The Bayer 04 boss also cautioned against the hosts, who have won their last two matches against Holstein Kiel (3-1) and Wolfsburg (1-0): "We expect a tough game against tough-acting opponents, similar to Bochum last week. They're fighting for survival, which we'll realise."
On the personnel front, Alonso can count on one returnee: Edmond Tapsoba is expected to be back in the squad, although no decision will be made about his involvement until after the final training session on Friday afternoon. The same goes for Exequiel Palacios.
There's also good news on Florian Wirtz: the 21-year-old is joining in with the first part of the activation in today's final training session. "If everything continues to go well, he'll train with the team again next week, but we're waiting to see."
The Werkself will be supported by 2,000 fans in Heidenheim.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended Abdoulaye Faye’s contract by a further year to 30 June 2031. During the 2026/27 season, the talented defender will play for Celta Vigo on loan without an option to buy. The 21-year-old Senegalese is set to feature in La Liga and the UEFA Europa League with last season’s sixth-placed side in Spain.
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The Werkself's training camp in Weimarer Land all in one place: in our daily blog you'll find all the insights and updates from the day. The programme on day one (Sunday 2 August) includes a media round with managing director sport Simon Rolfes, free time for the team after the friendly against Rot-Weiss Essen and before an intensive week of training begins, as well as a coffee get-together where CEO Fernando Carro and Rolfes met around 100 fans in the afternoon.
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen have agreed Kerim Alajbegovic’s transfer to Italian record champions Juventus. The club brought the 18-year-old attacking player back to Leverkusen this summer via a buy-back option, following a season at Red Bull Salzburg. Until his move to Austria, the Bosnia international had been playing for Bayer 04’s Under-19s.
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A warm welcome to the Weimarer Land, Bayer 04! The Werkself moved into their accommodation for this year’s training camp on Saturday evening. In Blankenhain, Thuringia, head coach Carles Martínez’s team have a programme of gruelling training sessions – several of which will be open to fans – and team-building activities lined up for the next six days. We’ll be following the Werkself up close and providing you with exclusive insights, quotes, photos and videos from the training camp.
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With 22 days to go until the start of the Bundesliga campaign, the Bayer 04 Women’s team have gained a fresh boost of confidence. In a friendly against Belgian top-flight side KRC Genk on Saturday afternoon, coach Roberto Pätzold’s team secured a 1–0 win. Lobke Loonen (20’) scored the winner for the Black and Reds at the Kurtekotten training centre.
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