Alonso ahead of #FCSPB04: ‘New chance to show we can do it better’

"There are still five games to play. The desire remains the same," said Xabi Alonso at the start of the pre-match press conference on Good Friday. After last Saturday's goalless draw against Union Berlin there was "a whole week to train and speak with all the players," said the Spaniard before adding: "It wasn't our best game against Union, we know that. That's why we want to show on Sunday that we can do it better. I know it's always easy to say that. So we want to and have to show that on the pitch."

Alonso: "team will give their all right to the end"

Asked about the continuing six-point gap to the league leaders Bayern Munich, Alonso made it clear: "It's not easy and we're realistic but anything can happen in football and as long as there is hope we want to try everything. They also have to play five games but we are focusing on ourselves and things that we can improve and influence. And I feel the team will give their all right to the end."

FC St. Pauli with "compact and tough defence"

According to Alonso, the Werkself face an "interesting team who play good football," said the 43-year-old about the Hamburg hosts. In addition, the Boys in Brown are unbeaten in their last two Bundesliga home games. Alonso: "They have a clear way of playing, well-practiced routines in their locker, are compact, tough in defence and they haven't let in many goals to date. The fact it won't be easy shown by the recent example of FC Bayern (3-2, ed.).

Tella fit again fit

Alonso again almost has a full squad to choose from with the exception of long-term injured players Jeanuel Belocian, Martin Terrier and Mario Hermoso.

Florian Wirtz, who returned to the pitch on 57 minutes last week after a five-week lay-off, has "trained well to get back on form" this week according to the Spaniard. Alonso added: "It helps us enormously when he's on the pitch. That's not a secret." In addition, Nathan Tella is free of injury after the Werkself number 19 had to go off in the Union match after a collision.

Tickets only available on Bayer 04 App

The Werkself we'll have the backing of 3,000 Bayer 04 fans in Hamburg. A reminder for all travelling fans: Tickets for the forthcoming away game are exclusively available on the Bayer 04 app. Further information can be found HERE .