Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.
"We will face top opponents with a good coach and high individual and collective quality. The match in the Hinrunde was very intense and we are expecting another tough game," said Xabi Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "We have to be flexible and act quickly to have the right approach to the different phases of the game," added the 43-year-old.
The Spaniard sees the strengths of the Frankfurt team in their tactical versatility: "They can play with a back three or a back four. In addition, they are very good in transition." The stats prove the latter: Eintracht Frankfurt are top in terms of goal scored in counter-attacks.
In response to a question on his first away game as Bayer 04 coach in October 2022, when the Werkself lost 5-1 in Frankfurt, Alonso said: "I've not forgotten the game but it’s not really relevant in preparing for tomorrow. A lot has happened since then and our development regarding the squad as well as the mentality of the team is very positive. The same goes for Frankfurt." The team from Hessen are having their best season in decades – 42 points after 23 games is only one less than the club record (1978/79 and 1989/90 with 43 points, calculated according to the three points for a win rule).
Alonso also highlighted: "The defeat for Frankfurt against Bayern (4-0 to FCB last Saturday, the first league defeat for Frankfurt in 2025, ed.) is not a reference point for tomorrow." And he added: "We will always give our all. There are no games where that isn't the case and we always field the best possible team."
Alonso will have to manage without defender Piero Hincapie against Eintracht Frankfurt. The Ecuadorian picked up his fifth yellow card last weekend in the game at newcomers Holstein Kiel (2-0, ed.). Edmond Tapsoba and Nordi Mukiele are one booking away from suspension with four yellow cards each. Otherwise Alonso announced there was "no new news" in terms of personnel.
The Werkself will have the support of 5,300 Bayer 04 fans at the Deutsche Bank Park with the whole allocation for the away section taken up. The top match will be broadcast live on Sky with Werkself Radio reporting as usual from 30 minutes before kick-off.
Bayer 04 face Hamburger SV for the first time since February 2018 in their rearranged Bundesliga Matchday 17 clash. After long years in the second division, the Red Shorts have gradually reestablished themselves in the top flight this season, thanks in particular to their strong home record and third-best tackle success rate in the league. There'll be a fierce battle in the air too, as three of the highest-scoring centre-backs in the Bundesliga could be on the pitch at the Volksparkstadion - two of them for Leverkusen. The Matchday News.
Show more
Video games manufacturer Electronic Arts (EA), together with the Deutsche Fußball Liga (DFL), has announced the six nominees for the February 2026 Bundesliga Player of the Month award. Not one, but two Werkself players are on the list in Edmond Tapsoba and Alejandro Grimaldo. Supporters of the Black-and-Reds have from now until midnight on Sunday 8 March to vote!
Show more
After the original fixture on 13 January was postponed due to weather-related structural risks to the Volksparkstadion's roof, Hamburger SV now host Bayer 04 Leverkusen this evening, Wednesday 4 March (kick-off 20:30 CET), in the rearranged Matchday 17 meeting. It's a second home game in three days for HSV - an update on the opponents.
Show more
The German Football League (DFL) has announced the three candidates for Bundesliga ‘Rookie of the Month’ for February. Among the candidates is Werkself player Jarell Quansah. Fans of Bayer 04 can vote for their favourite on the Bundesliga app from now until Thursday, 5 March (23:59 CET).
Show more
