Back
28.02.2025Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #SGEB04: Frankfurt have 'high individual and collective quality'

The Werkself are away to third-placed Eintracht Frankfurt in the big game on Bundesliga Matchday 24. Ahead of the clash at the Deutsche Bank Park on Saturday, 1 March (18:30 CET), head coach Xabi Alonso talked about the strengths of Eintracht Frankfurt and his own approach to the top match.

Display videos

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.

Alonso sees positive development for both Teams

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."

Hincapie suspended – Duo on the brink

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.

away section sold out – Top match live on Sky

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.

Related News

BayArena erstrahlt lila
Social Commitment - 03.12.2025

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - BayArena lights up purple

The United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated worldwide on 3 December. Together with Bayer AG, Bayer 04 is once again setting an example for diversity and inclusion by lighting up the BayArena in purple in the evening.

Show more
Amy Wrigge jubelt
Women - 03.12.2025

Piljic and Wrigge score for Germany: Bayer 04 Women international round-up

Two first goals, two victories and a total of eight players in action: During the international break in the Google Pixel Women's Bundesliga, the Werkself were represented on the international stage, particularly in two Germany junior teams. Bayer04.de provides an overview of the international fixtures.

Show more
Jubel nach Abpfiff in Dortmund
DFB-Pokal - 03.12.2025

Werkself review #BVBB04: ‘Very good defending’ brings DFB Pokal revenge

The Werkself have reached the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal for the third time in a row. Thanks to a goal from Ibrahim Maza and, according to coach Kasper Hjulmand, a strong defensive performance, Bayer 04 once again defeated a Bundesliga rival in the DFB Pokal tie in Dortmund. The Werkself review of the 1-0 win at Signal Iduna Park.

Show more
Jonas Hofmann und Ibrahim Maza nach dem 1:0
DFB-Pokal - 02.12.2025

1-0 in Dortmund - Werkself progress to the quarter-finals of the DFB Pokal!

A thriller with a successful outcome! The Werkself won the round of 16 clash at Borussia Dortmund by a goal to nil thanks to a 34th-minute strike from Ibrahim Maza. It means they'll be in the DFB Pokal come the spring!

Show more