Back
24.01.2025Werkself-TV

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

The second away game of the week takes Bayer 04 to RB Leipzig. The match between the teams lying fifth and second in the Bundesliga is on Saturday, 25 January, with the kick-off at the Red Bull Arena at 15.30 CET. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the change of focus to the forthcoming clash, personnel and the all-time Bundesliga table.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"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.

 

Related News

#MCIB04 in der Youth League
U19 - 25.11.2025

6-0 defeat in the Youth League - U19s downed by Manchester City

After a goalless and at times evenly-matched first half, Bayer 04's U19s ultimately suffered a heavy defeat at Manchester City. Coach Kevin Brok's depleted side - including five players who were part of the senior squad for the Champions League game in the evening - lost 6-0 on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Youth League.

Show more
Kurzpässe vor #MCIB04
Champions League - 25.11.2025

Matchday news #MCIB04: First meeting with unbeaten Manchester City

The Werkself face Manchester City for the very first time on Tuesday for Matchday 5 of the league phase in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League (kick-off: 21:00 CET). The hosts sit fourth in the standings and boast huge quality in attack, while Leverkusen are looking to improve their meagre record of just one win from the last 10 games away at English clubs. A key player in that regard could be Aleix Garcia, the former City midfielder who ranks highly in several passing metrics in the Champions League this season. Here’s all you need to know ahead of the game in our matchday news.

Show more
crop_B04_SoundOfDreams_ManCityBayer04_christianhedel--1690779.jpg
Champions League - 25.11.2025

Live blog: The Werkself away to Manchester City ✈️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The Werkself's next European trip takes them to the north-west of England as Kasper Hjulmand's side take on Manchester City on Tuesday, 25 November (kick-off: 21:00 CET) on Matchday 5 in the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League campaign. As usual, we'll take you along on the #aCROSSeurope journey and report from Manchester. All times listed are in CET.

Show more
Schwarz-Rote Woche Tag 1
Bayer 04 - 25.11.2025

Black and Red Week 2025 - Day 1: Ticket and jersey special

The annual Black and Red Week has started. Day one, Tuesday 25 November, includes a special ticket offer for Bayer 04 Club members and a special jersey offer for all Werkself fans...

Show more