Back
29.11.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #FCUB04: 'Keep the positive feeling going'

This weekend the Werkself are away to Union Berlin after two home wins across competitions. Ahead of the match on Saturday, 30 November (kick-off: 15.30 CET/live on Sky and on Werkself Radio), head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the opponents from Berlin, the boost from the wins and two returnees to the matchday squad.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"We have recovered physically and mentally," said Xabi Alonso on Friday afternoon, three days after the 5-0 win against FC Salzburg in the UEFA Champions League. "We want to keep the positive feeling from the last games going. We also feel good for tomorrow even though we can expect a tough challenge."

As usual for the match at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, the Spaniard is expecting "a very physical game with lots of duels. We have to be ready for that. But we want to put our ideas into effect on the pitch and play our own game – and in the best case scenario keep a clean sheet as we did against Salzburg."

Belocian and Mukiele set to return

As announced by Alonso at the pre-match press conference, the recently injured defenders Jeanuel Belocian and Nordi Mukiele are expected to return to the matchday squad. Martin Terrier is not available for the game against Union Berlin but "may possibly be back in Munich," said Alonso continuing the positive squad update.

The Werkself will have the support of 2,400 fans in Berlin with the away section sold out.

Related News

Juniorinnen-Talenttag am Kurtekotten
Women - 06.10.2026

‘The standard is getting higher and higher: Junior Talent Day at Kurtekotten with 90 girls

Fun, games and promising talent: At the fourth Bayer 04 Junior Girls’ Talent Day at the Kurtekotten training centre, 90 football-mad girls had the chance to put themselves forward for the Werkself youth teams. During a 90-minute training session, children born between 2011 and 2019 had the chance to demonstrate their skills.

Show more
Tobias Ufer und Rudi Vollborn
Sustainability - 05.10.2026

Interactive health checks, cancer screening and more: Health Day at the BayArena

Despite the international break, numerous Werkself fans turned up at the BayArena on Saturday 3 October. The occasion: Bayer 04, together with Bayer Vital and main sponsor BarmeniaGothaer, organised a Health Day. In the stadium’s Premium Lounge, guests listened to fascinating talks on the subject of cancer, featuring, amongst others, Bayer 04 record appearance holder Rüdiger Vollborn and former Werkself player Hans Sarpei. Afterwards, young and old alike enjoyed interactive stations such as a grip strength test and eye pupil test.

Show more
Afonso Moreira
Bayer 04 - 04.10.2026

Favourite places, favourite food and more: ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira | Werkself Magazine #56

In issue #56 of Werkself Magazine, Afonso Moreira offers some interesting insights into his home country, Portugal, as part of the ‘Sag mal’ (Tell me) feature. Among other things, the 21-year-old talks about his favourite places in the country on the Iberian Peninsula, the local cuisine and music, as well as heroes and historical figures beyond the world of football. ‘Sag mal’ with Afonso Moreira!

Show more
22. Leverkusener Kunstnacht
Bayer 04 - 03.10.2026

Black-and-red all around at 22nd Leverkusen Art Night

Exciting exhibitions, stimulating talk, and a great response: as part of the 22nd Leverkusen Kunstnacht (Art Night), Bismarckstraße also became an art promenade on Friday evening. Stadioneck and Schwadbud made their debut at the traditional event, whilst the Lev-Szene 86 clubhouse on Konrad-Adenauer-Platz was taking part for the third time. In Schlebusch, too, there was art on display with links to Bayer 04. Football wasn’t always the main focus, however.

Show more