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“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.
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.
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.”
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.
Alonso and his team can look forward to the support of 3,500 fans from Leverkusen in Mainz.
After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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Welcome to Leverkusen, Kennet Eichhorn. Bayer 04 have signed the 16-year-old midfielder from Hertha Berlin. Read on to find out more about our new signing.
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