Back
15.03.2024Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #SCFB04: 'Need to be ready for all scenarios'

After the hugely emotional progression to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday night, the Werkself turn their focus back to league action now. On Matchday 26 of the Bundesliga, Bayer 04 visit SC Freiburg this Sunday, 17 March (kick-off at 15:30 CET at the Europa-Park-Stadion). At the press conference on Friday, head coach Xabi Alonso particularly called for control of the game against the Breisgau club.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"It was an incredible night, which I also need to process first," reflected the Spaniard. "None of us had much sleep. We need to forget the Europa League for now, though, and focus fully on Sunday. We're in a good position in the Bundesliga. It's the last match before the international break. We absolutely want to end this block with a win," added Alonso. According to the 41-year-old, that requires above all "a lot of emotionality, just like in the European games. But first and foremost, we want to have control of the game."

Alonso on freiburg: 'they can adapt very well'

Alonso is expecting a hard-fought contest against head coach Christian Streich's side, "a top team with intelligent players and a very competitive coach with a lot of experience in the club".

The Bayer 04 boss also highlighted the opponents' flexibility: "They can play in a very nice, dominant way but they can also adapt very well in difficult matches. They're strong from set pieces, too." They therefore need "to be ready for all scenarios", added the Spaniard.

TEAM NEWS: RELIEF FOR HOFMANN

There was good news on Jonas Hofmann. "The scan has shown that it's not a muscle strain. We'll see for Sunday," confirmed Alonso.

Meanwhile, patience is required with Victor Boniface. The striker is making good progress, and they want to make good use of the international break. "He's close to getting back onto the pitch," revealed Alonso. "If it goes well, he could play a part against Hoffenheim, but we have patience."

3,400 FANS IN FREIBURG

Victory over SCF would already confirm Leverkusen's participation in next season's UEFA Champions League. Alonso is ambitious: "We already said in the summer that we had this goal. Now we can realise that and we want to achieve it on Sunday."

The Werkself will be supported in this task by 3,400 travelling fans in Freiburg. Just like recent away matches, the away section is again sold out.

Related News

Kristina Sundov
Women - 07.07.2026

Former player Kristina Sundov is new Bayer 04 Women’s team assistant coach

Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.

Show more
Victor Boniface, Kennet Eichhorn und Afonso Moreira
Bayer 04 - 06.07.2026

With Eichhorn and Moreira: Small group on training ground

The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.

Show more
Saisoneröffnung Titelgrafik
Bayer 04 - 06.07.2026

Two matches and events with players and fans: Get your tickets for the Bayer 04 season launch

One ticket, two matches – and a varied programme of events, including appearances by players from the professional teams: Bayer 04 has come up with something very special for the 2026 season launch on Saturday, 8 August. From morning right through to the evening, Werkself fans can use just one ticket to not only enjoy top-class football from the Bayer 04 teams live, but also to experience unforgettable moments with the whole family through a variety of hands-on activities around the BayArena and the Ulrich Haberland Stadium. The day will also end on a real high note: after both matches, Bayer 04 supporters will have the opportunity to interact directly with the players during joint activities and get to know them from a different angle.

Show more
Issa Traoré
Bayer 04 - 06.07.2026

Bayer 04 loan defender Traoré to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin

Issa Traoré is moving from Bayer 04 Leverkusen to Slovakian top-flight side AS Trencin. The club has loaned the centre-back out for one year to this year’s ninth-placed team in the Slovakian league.

Show more