Alonso ahead of #RBLB04: Leipzig have “lots of quality and intelligent players”

“It’s a top game to begin the second half of the season. The reverse fixture went well for us [3-2 win], but that’s in the past. We need our best performance on Saturday,” Alonso said at his press conference on Friday.

Leipzig were beaten 1-0 at home by Eintracht Frankfurt in their first league outing of the year, while the Werkself snatched three points in Augsburg thanks to Exequiel Palacios’ added-time winner. It meant the team began their preparations for this weekend in good spirits on Tuesday. “The win in Augsburg was very nice, and so was the atmosphere in recent training sessions. That’s the atmosphere we always need. But the focus now is obviously on Leipzig. We’re confident and will play with good energy,” Alonso claimed.

Alonso: “Will be an interesting game”

Two of the Bundesliga’s best attacks and defences meet as Bayer 04 take on Leipzig. Leverkusen have scored 47 goals and conceded only 12, while RB have netted 38 times – as many as VfB Stuttgart in third place – and shipped 18. Coach Marco Rose won’t just rely on his two top scorers, Lois Openda and Xavi Simons with a combined 29 goals and assists, but also many more players in his squad. Leipzig boast the most goalscorers in the German top flight with 14 different players having a goal to their name this season. Alonso said: “They’re a very flexible team and have many intelligent players with high quality. They also have a top coach. It’ll be an interesting game.”

2,900 fans travelling to Leipzig

The Spaniard remains without Arthur, Victor Boniface and Africa Cup of Nations participants Odilon Kossounou, Edmond Tapsoba and Amine Adli. The coach stated confidently: “There are no further injuries. All players are ready for Saturday.” They will be supported by 2,900 Werkself fans at the Red Bull Arena.

Alonso on dealing with right-wing movements

As well as sport, there were also questions at the press conference about current political issues in Germany. Alonso said of dealing with right-wing movements: “We should have a clear stance on this issue and stand up for our democratic values. The polarisation of the right-wing parties is currently not only taking place in Germany, but also in Spain, Italy and other European countries, for example. We must clearly defend our values against these tendencies. Of course, people who come to another country should do their best and contribute their best to society and culture - no matter where they come from. The same applies to me. We are open and very international at Bayer Leverkusen and in the entire football world. I’m absolutely certain that everyone in football stands up for our values. We have to show a clear stance and must not allow right-wing tendencies.”