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“We are expecting a tough match with intense duels. It’s a very important game for both teams. We want to produce a good performance and show what we can do on the pitch,” said coach Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon.
The derby in Cologne is the first of five matches in 14 days. Alonso: “Now we are going into the next intense phase up to the international break. The players have deserved the last few days off and it gave them the chance to relax their minds and legs. We’ve trained well this week and are ready for Sunday.”
The Spaniard is aware of the special aspect of this derby: “Games like this are always special. You notice that in the warm-up and the songs the fans sing. There’s always a very special atmosphere at the derby. The rivalry is part of that but it belongs on the pitch.” Alonso added: “Our anticipation is great as is the respect for the match and FC Köln. We need to be fully focused, we need to play with our hearts but also with our heads on Sunday.”
FC Köln are currently in the play-off spot eight points behind VfL Bochum. In response to a question on the current tricky situation for the team from Cologne, Alonso said: “There are still lots of games and lots of points up for grabs. Anything can happen and not just for Köln but also for any team anywhere in the table.”
In addition, Alonso had positive team news for Sunday. The Spaniard said Exequiel Palacios will be back in the squad for the derby. “Pala feels really good, he’s trained well and is ready.” On Arthur and Victor Boniface, who are still sidelined, Alonso said: “They are currently working hard, ambitiously and professionally on their comebacks. Things are going in the right direction.”
Sunday’s derby will be broadcast live in Germany on DAZN and on Werkself Radio. The Werkself will again have strong support in Cologne: 5,000 Bayer 04 fans will get behind the Black and Reds at the game on Sunday.
Calling all eSports fans: On Saturday, 21 February (from 16:00 CET), the Werkself Wildcard Cup will take place at XPERION Köln (Hansaring 97, 50670 Cologne). Interested EA FC 26 amateur players will have the opportunity to win attractive prizes and a place in the VBL Open Play-offs by WOW. The play-offs are the final preliminary stage of the VBL Grand Final by WOW, the tournament for the German individual championship and, alongside the club championship (VBL CC), the most important sub-competition in the German eSports scene. Read on for information on registration.
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Werkself-TV shows the highlights of Bayer 04's 3-0 win against FC St. Pauli in the quarter-final of the DFB-Pokal 2025/26...
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Once again in the last four! Bayer 04 put in a mature and, for long stretches, commanding performance to defeat a courageous FC St. Pauli in the quarter-finals of the 2025/26 DFB Pokal to reach the semi-finals of the competition for the third time in a row. Martin Terrier gave Leverkusen the lead on 32 minutes before Patrik Schick made it 2-0 on 63 minutes. Substitute Jonas Hofmann capped off a strong second half for the Werkself with the third goal in added time.
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