Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
“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.
Bayer 04 Leverkusen will be the first Bundesliga team to hold their pre-season training camp in South America. The 2024 Bundesliga and DFB Cup winners will be in Rio de Janeiro from 14 to 24 July. Under the motto "Esquenta!" ("warm up"), the Werkself will prepare for the new campaign at the training facility of Flamengo Rio de Janeiro, one of the most renowned and largest clubs in South America.
Show more
The Werkself ended the 2024/25 season as runners-up with the third equal highest number of points in the club's history (69) and went the full Bundesliga campaign without an away defeat since 2023/24. As in previous years, you now have the opportunity to vote for your Player of the Season. The vote is exclusive to members of the Bayer 04 Club and only on the Bayer 04 app.
Show more
After a brilliant record season with 43 points and a total of 13 wins in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Bayer 04 Women finished with a historically successful fourth position in the table in the 2024/25 campaign. As in previous years, you now have the opportunity to vote for your women’s team Player of the Season. The vote is exclusive to members of the Bayer 04 Club and only on the Bayer 04 app.
Show more
Another award for the Bayer 04 ground staff: after 2021/22 and 2022/23, the pitch in the BayArena has once again been named ‘Pitch of the Year’ in the Bundesliga in 2024/25. VfL Wolfsburg and FC Bayern München follow in second and third place this year.
Show more
