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"We were able to take a number of positives from it," stressed Xabi Alonso in a brief reflection on his team's dominant display in the goalless draw against FC Bayern Munich last weekend. However, the Spaniard also made clear: "Tomorrow against Kiel will be a very different match, and perhaps in view of the condition of the pitch it won't be the prettiest. What remains the same is that we have to put in everything again. We need the same mentality as against Bayern."
The previous meeting against Kiel in October was also a subject of discussion at the press conference on Friday lunchtime. The Werkself were held to a 2-2 draw at the BayArena after squandering an early 2-0 lead. "Those experiences play an important role in our preparation for tomorrow," commented Alonso. "I've seen a lot of their games. It's going to be hard-fought. We need to be ready."
On his side's transformation since that match nearly five months ago, he said: "We didn't have the consistency in our play that we have now - especially when in front. We've undergone a positive development in our play and in terms of our desire and mentality."
With regards to personnel, Alonso told the media that Nathan Tella remains a doubt: "He has slight muscular problems in the hip area. It's not an injury but we need to wait and see."
Meanwhile, the defensive trio of Nordi Mukiele, Edmond Tapsoba and Piero Hincapie each go into the game on four yellow cards, one away from a suspension. "That doesn't have any bearing on the team selection," stated Alonso. "Nor in our minds: we have to go into every tackle with full commitment. If someone gets suspended, someone else will play. We trust every individual."
The Werkself will be supported by 1,700 fans for their first Bundesliga meeting in Kiel, with the away section sold out.
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