The Werkself face "one of the toughest away games of the season. It's always difficult to play there," said Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "They absolutely deserve their position in the table (ninth, ed.). In the 2-1 win for FCH in Bremen, Alonso identified the strength of the next opponents in three areas: "They were top with set pieces, in counter-attacks and they have a brilliant team spirit. That all makes Heidenheim very dangerous." In addition, head coach Frank Schmidt is "a brilliant person and a great coach with a huge passion for football."
Kossounou back – Xhaka ready
For the first time this year, Alonso is able to include Odilon Kossounou in the matchday squad for the game against Heidenheim. The defender won the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast in his home country a few days ago and he will train with his Leverkusen teammates again for the first time today. Alonso: "We are all very happy for Odi and we congratulated him on his return yesterday. He's come back in very good spirits and he had a brilliant tournament."
While Granit Xhaka, who received a knock in the game against Bayern Munich, is ready for the match in Heidenheim, Exequiel Palacios is still sidelined. Also unavailable are the injured players Arthur and Victor Boniface.
2,000 Bayer 04 Fans in Heidenheim
The Werkself go into the game against FC Heidenheim with a boost on the back of wins against the top teams from Stuttgart (3-2 in the DFB-Pokal quarter-final) and Munich (3-0 in the Bundesliga home game). "We're not looking back but are fully focused on the next challenge. Only the next game counts for us – that's how we've approached it from the start of the season," declared Alonso whose team will have the support of 2,000 travelling fans in a full away end at the Voith Arena.
Alonso on his father Periko: "has a big influence on me"
Asked about his father Periko Alonso, who was also a Spain international and professional coach, Bayer 04 head coach said: "Of course, football is always on the agenda in my house. We regularly talk about games and opponents. His opinion is the most important thing for me, he has a big influence on me and is my big role model. He always finds the right words and always remains calm."
