Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
"We're playing against top opponents in good form," declared head coach Xabi Alonso at the start of the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. The 41-year-old knows the strengths of the Leipzig team and warned accordingly of the playing style of the team from Saxony. "Marco Rose (RB Leipzig head coach, ed.) has put together a strong team since he's been at Leipzig and they are pursuing a very convincing way of playing that was impressively demonstrated in the Supercup." In the clash between the champions and the DFB Pokal winners, RB Leipzig beat Bayern Munich 3-0 to secure the first trophy of the 2023/24 season.
The Werkself can go into Saturday's game in confident mood having impressed in the 8-0 DFB Pokal win against FC Teutonia 05 Ottensen. For the league opener, Alonso is calling for a controlled and thoughtful performance from his team: "We want to build a mentality from tomorrow that we can take with us through the season."
In the opening match against the Leipzig team the absentees are Patrik Schick and Sardar Azmoun plus the suspended Piero Hincapie and Amine Adli. Gustavo Puerta, who missed the DFB Pokal tie in Hamburg due to a hand operation, will be back in the squad for Saturday’s game.
On the current euphoric atmosphere at Bayer 04 Alonso declared: "We feel the anticipation from the fans for the new season and we are equally excited about tomorrow and all the games ahead. There's an outstanding mood and energy at the moment – on every level."
In relation to the premature celebrations that Bayer 04 are receiving from many sides at the moment, the Spanish coach warned against an overeager performance and remarked: "We haven't got started yet. We are not naïve. Time will show where we stand. We will need the support of the fans in every match going forwards. The fans are expecting a good performance – and that's what we want to produce."
The anticipation for the start of the league campaign is reflected in the attendance figures: All the home sections for the Bundesliga opener against RB Leipzig have been sold out.

Werkself-TV shows the highlights of the Bayer 04 women's 3-2 win against RB Leipzig on the 12th matchday of the Google Pixel Frauen-Bundesliga 2025/26.
Show more
For the second time in three weeks, Bayer 04 have to face a team that has just changed coach. The Werkself’s overall record against Augsburg and the Bavarians’ poor season so far both point towards a Leverkusen win, but head coach Kasper Hjulmand is still aware of the threat going into Saturday’s Bundesliga encounter (kick-off: 15:30 CET). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the Matchday 13 fixture at the WWK Arena.
Show more
The groups for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico have been finalised. At the draw in the USA capital Washington D.C., which was hosted by German top model Heidi Klum and others, 48 teams were drawn for the first time. The groups at a glance.
Show more
As part of the joint commitment of Bayer 04 and the City of Leverkusen to volunteering, the annual Volunteer Day took place in the 19nullvier Lounge at the BayArena. Fernando Carro, Bayer 04 CEO, Stefan Hebbel, Mayor of the City of Leverkusen, and club representative Stefan Kießling praised the commitment of the 200 or so volunteers from the region in attendance and thanked them for their impressive efforts.
Show more