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“There are still seven games left to go in the league. We want to take the next step towards the title in Berlin,” Alonso stressed on Friday morning. “We have our sights set on big goals in all three competitions but are only taking things one game at a time. Now we have to focus solely on Union Berlin.”
An opponent who have the seventh-best record in the Bundesliga since the mid-point of the season. Alonso said of Union’s strengths: “Obviously the coach and some players are new, but they follow the same ideas of playing. They’re a physically strong and very aggressive team who also play looking to combine. We have to be ready for perhaps not the prettiest game. It’s important to get a good result.”
The return of Victor Boniface after he got half an hour in Wednesday’s 4-0 semi-final win over Fortuna Düsseldorf provides Alonso with further options at centre-forward. “His outing against Düsseldorf was good for him, but he won’t be able to start yet,” the Spaniard confirmed. “We want to help him bit by bit to get that good feeling on the pitch again.” When pressed further, Alonso said of Patrik Schick, Borja Iglesias and Adam Hlozek: “They all have different strengths, do a good job and are hugely important for us.”
The 42-year-old also stressed that no player in his squad is better placed than any other, including in central midfield. “Rob [Andrich] is in good form and knows Union Berlin’s stadium very well. Pala [Exequiel Palacios] is fit again. We have lots of options in every position.”
After progressing to the cup final in a sold-out and atmospheric BayArena against Fortuna, the Werkself can again expect plenty of support at a capacity Stadion an der Alten Försterei, with 2,500 fans making the trip from Leverkusen. Alonso spoke of the supporters having a good feel for knowing what kind of support is needed right now: “Our fans are intelligent and patient. Obviously, we all want to celebrate something big together at the end, but the moment hasn’t come yet. It’s still too early. First, we need to do our job in Berlin.”
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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