Alonso ahead of #QARB04: Cement top spot on the Caspian Sea

"We need a good result to achieve our target. We are going there to win," declared Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday morning. The Werkself are top of Group H on matchday four with nine points from three games.

The away match at Qarabag, who are second on six points, represents the longest European journey for Bayer 04 in the club's history. But that can definitely not be used as an excuse. Alonso: "Of course, it's a long flight. But we have prepared well at the club in terms of logistics. Qarabag had to come to us in Leverkusen. It’s the same for us." 200 Leverkusen fans are expected to travel to Azerbaijan.

third packed week – Tapsoba sidelined

The Europa League fixture against Qarabag marks the third packed week in succession for the Werkself. As in the previous two weeks, there could be changes to the starting XI this time as Alonso revealed: "We are ready and we want to use the two games ahead of the international break against Qarabag and Union to maintain our good positions in the Europa League and the Bundesliga."

Edmond Tapsoba will not be available. The Burkina Faso international is set to undergo an operation on his left hand following the injury suffered in last week's 5-2 DFB-Pokal win at third division SV Sandhausen. Alonso: "The operation is essential. Therefore, we decided together to have it done now. Eddy will be available for us against Bremen."

Kovar: Europa League "means a lot to us"

Matej Kovar, the summer signing from Manchester United, also took part in the press conference on Wednesday morning. The 23-year-old Czechia international keeper said "the Europa League means a lot to us. I have really enjoyed every single minute in this competition on the pitch together with the lads. We’ve produced good performances and I hope it carries on like that."

Kovar is expecting a "tough game" against the Azerbaijani record champions who clocked up a 7-1 victory in the league at the weekend. "They are in good shape. Perhaps they didn’t show their usual level against us in the first game (5-1, ed.). We know what to expect and are well prepared."

Alonso confirms Kovar appearance against Qarabag

Asked about working with Lukas Hradecky and the other goalkeepers, Kovar said "we have all got on great together since the first day. We encourage each other in every training session and game, and we do all we can to help the team as much as possible."

Kovar will play in goal again in Baku as he has done in the first three group matches as Alonso confirmed at the press conference. The Spaniard said of the summer signing: "Matej has done really well so far, he has a lot of quality and is always ready. In addition, he supports Lukas as much as he can. We are happy to have healthy competition in the goalkeeping position with the two of them and Niklas Lomb."