Alonso ahead of #M05B04: “Prepare with the same respect”

“We’re preparing with the same respect as we do against every other opponent and want to end the season with a positive feeling. That’s our goal,” Alonso stated on Friday afternoon.

Mainz with a target, Werkself with motivation

The final game of the season is a crucial one for Mainz, who are enjoying the second-best campaign in their Bundesliga history. They come into the weekend in sixth place and in need of a win that would all but assure them a spot in the UEFA Conference League and a first continental qualification since 2016. “Mainz are having a good season. They’re a good team and have enjoyed a positive development. We’re expecting a hard game. We’ll give our all,” the Spaniard added.

Bayer 04 also have an objective of their own as they look to make it two full seasons without a defeat on the road in the Bundesliga and set a new league record of 34 away games unbeaten. “We always fight to win as many points as possible. It’d be very nice to reach that number,” Alonso stated.

Alonso: “Will really miss it here”

The 43-year-old also used the press conference to look back on his nearly three years with the club. “The most important thing in my time here was always the belief that we could achieve our goals. We were able to take the team and also the club to a new level. All my players have developed excellently. I always really enjoyed it here – the work and life with my family. I’ll really miss it here. Bayer 04 will always stay in my heart.”

He also offered a final review on the season: “The toughest thing was to manage expectations. That was very challenging. We had a lot of draws this season, but the setbacks were also normal. My greatest fear after the success of last season was a big drop-off. That didn’t happen. It was a good season on the whole.”

U19s final at the BayArena

Asked about the U19’s Bundesliga final against Köln at the BayArena this Sunday, Alonso said: “We’ll obviously be following that. The semi-final was very exciting. There are a lot of top young players in the U19s. Some of them have already trained with us before. It’s a sign of the good youth work being done at this club. Sergi [Runge] is a good coach and has a good connection with the players. It’ll be a great experience for them. They should enjoy it, ideally with a win.”

Over 20,000 tickets have already been sold for the final. You can still get yours HERE.

3,500 travelling supporters

Alonso and his team can look forward to the support of 3,500 fans from Leverkusen in Mainz.