"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."
