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

20241214_JS1_4760.jpg
Bundesliga - 12.09.2026

Matchday news: Continue improving form against Augsburg record starters

After the first win of the season against 1. FC Union Berlin (4-0) last weekend, the Werkself are aiming to collect another three points at FC Augsburg on Saturday 12 September (kick-off 15:30 CEST). The hosts, meanwhile, are enjoying their best-ever start to a Bundesliga campaign and go into Matchday 3 top of the table for the first time. The Matchday News.

Show more
LIVE ab 11.45 Uhr | Die PK vor dem Auswärtsspiel in Augsburg | 3. Spieltag
Werkself-TV - 11.09.2026

Martínez ahead of the clash with league leaders FCA: ‘We need to be focused and give it our all’

The Werkself are away to FC Augsburg on matchday 3 of the 2026/27 Bundesliga season. The game at the WWK Arena against the current – and for the first time – league leaders of the German top flight is on Saturday 12 September at 15:30 CEST. Ahead of the match, head coach Carles Martínez spoke about this week’s training and the team’s approach to the fixture, as they face an opponent brimming with confidence. The Spaniard also addressed a number of squad matters.

Show more
Mannschaftskreis FC Augsburg
Bundesliga - 11.09.2026

Our next opponents: League leaders with strong mentality and great squad depth

FC Augsburg are top of the table for the first time in their Bundesliga history. After two wins for starters, FCA lead the German top-flight with six points and a goal difference of 7 to 1. This Saturday, 12 September (kick-off: 15:30 CEST), Augsburg are looking to build on their strong start to the season against the Werkself. The lowdown on our next opponents.

Show more
Das offizielle Mannschaftsfoto der Männer und Frauen 2026/27
Bayer 04 - 10.09.2026

Men and women together for first time: The official 2026/27 team photos

Following the closure of the 2026 summer transfer window, the Bayer 04 men's and women's first teams lined up for a first-ever joint photo at the BayArena. Werkself fans can now download the official photos for free.

Show more
Carolin Simon fehlt voerst
Women - 10.09.2026

Carolin Simon and Valentina Mädl sidelined by muscle injuries

Bayer 04 Women will be without captain Carolin Simon and striker Valentina Mädl over the coming weeks. Both players missed last Friday's 2-1 Bundesliga win at TSG Hoffenheim because of muscle injuries.

Show more