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"The Bundesliga is the most important competition for us. And now it's an important moment of the season," declared Alonso at the press conference on Friday. Asked about Tuesday’s 2-1 defeat at Atletico Madridd the Spaniard said: "Madrid is Madrid, Leipzig is Leipzig. You can't compare two teams and two games but you have to look at them individually. Our full focus is now on Leipzig. We are expecting a tough game."
The first game against RBL at the BayArena at the start of the season ended in a 3-2 defeat after Bayer 04 went two goals up. "A lot happened in that game," said Alonso sounding a warning: "We know their qualities, both individually and as a team. They have a good coach and are a top team. We will be ready."
As in Madrid, Victor Boniface will be in the matchday squad again in Leipzig. "He's available," said Alonso. Also on board is Nordi Mukiele who went off at half-time in the game against Atletico. Alonso also talked about Amine Adli: "He's doing well and will probably return to training next week."
Asked about possible winter signings given the long-term absence of Jeanuel Belocian (torn cruciate) and Martin Terrier (torn Achilles) Alonso said: "We have to be smart and make the right decisions calmly."
Another subject for discussion at the press conference: the all-time Bundesliga table. Bayer 04 are currently tenth just two points behind FC Köln and they could go above the Cologne side with a win in Leipzig. Alonso: "It will be something great for our fans above all. They love this club, many of them since their childhood. And the all-time Bundesliga table also shows the great history of Bayer 04."
2,900 Werkself fans will be in Leipzig. The game is live on Sky and on Werkself Radio.
In mid-August, the Werkself will set off on a four-day trip to England to play their final two friendly matches of the 2026/27 pre-season against Premier League clubs Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. The match in Nottingham against the Tricky Trees is on Wednesday 12 August at 20:45 CEST (19:45 BST) at the City Ground. The game against the Magpies in Newcastle is on Saturday 15 August at 16:00 CEST (15:00 BST) at the atmospheric St James’ Park. Details on ticket sales for both matches.
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Black and Red talent development at the highest level – even off the pitch: Apprentices Jule Suermann, Leandra Bellia and Julia Niederheide have successfully completed their two- or three-year apprenticeships at the club. Bayer 04 honoured the trio at the BayArena on Tuesday.
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Following the summer break, most of the players are back in Leverkusen. While two Bayer 04 first-team players are still in action at the World Cup, the players present officially kicked off the new season with fitness assessments. At the Werkstatt, the Bayer 04 rehabilitation and training centre, Robert Andrich, Edmond Tapsoba and the rest of the squad worked up quite a sweat in the sweltering summer heat. New signings Afonso Moreira and Kennet Eichhorn also successfully completed the day’s sessions alongside their new team-mates.
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The Werkself return tomorrow, Tuesday 14 July (from 11:00 CEST at the BayArena; live stream on bayer04.de, the Bayer 04 app and YouTube), with new head coach Carles Martínez leading his first training session as part of the Bayer 04 set-up. His coaching team comprises a mix of new and long-standing colleagues.
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The FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada and Mexico is underway. A total of eight Leverkusen players are taking part in the 23rd World Cup, with 48 teams in the tournament for the first time. Bayer04.de brings you all the latest from Werkself players at the World Cup.
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