Alonso ahead of #RBLB04: 'An important moment in the season'

"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."

Mukiele fit – Adli "doing well"

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."

Alonso on all-time Bundesliga table

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.