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.
The Black and Reds kick off the new Bundesliga campaign today, Saturday 29 August (kick-off 15:30 CEST), away to newly promoted SV 07 Elversberg – and the Werkself will come up against a familiar face who is currently causing a stir at ‘Elv’. For an affordable and easy journey to the Saarland, the 1,600 travelling fans can still use the WERKSELFgo car-share platform. Today’s matchday news..
Show more
The European jersey has been launched, the UEL opponents have been drawn – and anticipation for the European campaign is running high. To mark the occasion, an autograph session was held on Friday afternoon, 28 August, at the Fanwelt with current Werkself player Montrell Culbreath and official club legend Paulo Sergio.
Show more
The Bundesliga is back. On Saturday 29 August (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), the Werkself are away to SV 07 Elversberg on matchday 1 of the new season. Ahead of the clash at the URSAPHARM Arena on Kaiserlinde, head coach Carles Martínez spoke, amongst other things, about the importance of a successful start and the motivation of the league newcomers from the Saarland.
Show more
On Friday afternoon, it will be decided which eight of the 36 participating teams Bayer 04 will face in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27. At the draw in Monaco (live on UEFA.com), the Werkself will be drawn against two teams from each of the four pots, allocated according to the UEFA club coefficient. A match against an opponent from the same country is ruled out, as is facing more than two clubs from the same national association. Here’s a look at the pots and potential opponents.
Show more
