Alonso ahead of #M05B04: ‘Give our all to fulfil the hopes and expectations of the fans'

"We can still remember our last games against Mainz. Every game against them is difficult. They have a strong team even though they are not in a very easy position at the moment," declared Alonso at the start of the media briefing.

Alonso: controlling the game is crucial

In the game against Mainz 05, who are still the team with the most challenges in the league despite being bottom of the table, the Spaniard believes it will all come down to controlling the game: "In the Bundesliga it's not just about passing but also winning every challenge. We've done both well so far and were able to control the last few matches. We want to do that again." The boss also said that the week of training in between the double fixture weeks is good for match preparation.

ALONSO on PALACIOS: "Established an important base"

The 41-year-old manager will still have to manage without the services of Arthur, Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Noah Mbamba. Patrik Schick trained with the team for the first time this week but is still not in the matchday squad. Alonso said about the recovery of the striker: "We are very happy and are also particularly glad for him that he's back with the team and can train free of pain. We're observing his progress every day. He needs confidence again after this long injury and we will use the coming weeks and the international break for that. He will complete large parts of the sessions with the team."

The coach was also very positive with the recent contract extension with midfielder Exequiel Palacios: "The step is very important for our project and the team. We need stability in order to be able to implement our ideas as best as possible in the future. Therefore, it's important the majority the team stays together. We have built the base for that.”

wear the shirt at Mainz!

3,400 Bayer 04 fans will make the journey to Rheinhessen and that is the full allocation for away fans. It is also known that other fans have also acquired tickets. The continuing great support for home and away games is also definitely felt by the team: "This support is brilliant for us. We feel their hopes and expectations and want to live up to them. So we will give 100% again tomorrow to hopefully celebrate a win at the end of the day. The images of how the team and the fans celebrate together really please me. Hopefully we’ll have that opportunity again tomorrow."

The Nordkurve12 fan group has launched a special initiative for the away game at the MEWA Arena: Wear the shirt at Mainz. Further information is available HERE.