"I really like the format of the Supercup. I've played in Supercup finals in England and Spain. It's a big motivation for us to finally be playing the first competitive match and have the chance to kick-off the new season. We're really looking forward to it," said Alonso at the start of the press conference.
Alonso: "We're starting fromm scratch again"
The Spaniard declared: "Last season was unique, we want to use the positive energy for what we'll face but we're starting from scratch again." The Spaniard summed up the preseason as follows: "The results of the friendlies were not the most important thing for us. A lot of players came back late from the European Championships. Some needed a bit more in training to get back up to speed. So we tried out a lot of things and rotated as we will again need all our players in the coming season. We have enough good players in the squad to be able to prepare as best we can for tomorrow's game. We are fully focused."
As with last season, Alonso rated the opponents VfB Stuttgart as very strong: "I like their approach and the football Sebastian Hoeneß (VfB head coach, ed.) has them playing. They are brave – both on and off the ball. We respect Stuttgart and they totally deserve to be here tomorrow."
praise for Andrich
Alonso has nearly a full squad to choose from tomorrow: Only Exequiel Palacios is unavailable. The midfielder is currently in rehab.
Alonso also spoke about the contract extension for Robert Andrich: "He has had a big influence here since his first day. He has developed well on several levels: in his personality, as a leader, his ability on the pitch and his reading of the game. He is always hungry and always has the desire to improve," said the Spaniard about the midfielder before adding: "The fact he was in the starting line-up for Germany at Euro 2024 was totally deserved. I was really happy for him. He's a very important player not only there but also for us."
On possible transfers, the 42 year-old said: "We'll see what happens in the next two weeks but we are in a very good place at the moment: We have a good balance of older players and new signings within the team. So I'm relaxed. My focus is currently not on the transfer market but on the pitch instead."
full house at the BayArena
The BayArena is sold out with a crowd of 30,210 expected. There will be 3,000 fans from Stuttgart at the game. Alonso is counting on the support of the fans: "We need the fans tomorrow against Stuttgart as that will give us more strength and energy. We welcome each and everyone who will be supporting us tomorrow."
