Back
31.10.2023Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #SVSB04: ‘We need the same professionalism as against Ottensen'

Away in the Electoral Palatinate: The Werkself visit third division SV Sandhausen in the second round of the DFB Pokal. The match is on Wednesday night 1 November (kick-off: 18.00 CET) at the GP Stadium am Hardtwald. Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Tuesday afternoon, head coach Alonso warned against taking the forthcoming cup tie for granted and he also announced a number of changes to the team.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

"Cup games are always something special. This one match decides whether we can go through or not. It's a long way to the final and we have to take it step-by-step. We made a good start against Ottensen and we want to maintain that level. We need maximum concentration for the match against Sandhausen. We'll give 100%," declared coach Alonso at the start of the press conference.

Alonso: "we are in a very intense phase"

SV Sandhausen, who appointed the former Schalke 04 head coach Jens Keller a few days ago, are definitely not to be underestimated by the Werkself. "We have respect for Sandhausen. They played very well against Hannover (4-2, First round of the DFB Pokal, ed.). We'll definitely have to play with the same professionalism as we did against Ottensen," said Alonso.

In addition, the Spaniard announced personnel changes for the game against Sandhausen. "We’ll change things around a bit. We are in an intense phase at the moment. We need every player for us to be able to progress in every competition. That's exactly why we had the clear approach to the squad in the summer. It was important for us to bring in several players of high quality for nearly every position. We did that and that means every player now gets a chance for a break and time to recover," said Spanish coach.

3,000 Bayer 04 Fans in Sandhausen

The Werkself can once again look forward to great support on the road. Given the demand for tickets, Bayer 04 endeavoured to obtain a bigger allocation ahead of the cup tie. 3,000 Bayer 04 fans are set to travel to Sandhausen tomorrow. Standing tickets are still available with the ticket office at the ground opening at 16.30 CET. According to SV Sandhausen, 9,000 to 10,000 fans are expected to attend the match, Sky will broadcast the tie live and the game will also be available free of charge on Werkself Radio.

 

Related News

Benjamin Adam
Youth - 12.06.2026

U17 coach Benjamin Adam leaves Bayer 04 for Rostock

After eight years in the youth set-up at Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Benjamin Adam is leaving the club. The 35-year-old, who most recently coached the Leverkusen U17s, will take charge of the Hansa Rostock U19 team next season.

Show more
Carlotta Wamser
Women - 10.06.2026

Women: International round-up - Wamser and Kramer in World Cup finals

There was a successful end to the women's internationals with Werkself players Carlotta Wamser and Cornelia Kramer qualifying for the 2027 World Cup finals in Brazil. A third Leverkusen player is still in with a chance of joining them. The Germany U23 players also experienced success in their last two international friendlies of the season.

Show more
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
Bayer 04 - 10.06.2026

Where to Watch the Bayer 04 Stars in North America

Traveling to North America for the World Cup this summer to see your favorite Bayer 04 players? Here’s a quick cheat sheet with thumbnail portraits and insider tips for each city from a local expert, so you can make the most of your visit and activities beyond the game!

Show more
Neue Bestuhlung der BayArena
Bayer 04 - 09.06.2026

New seating for the BayArena - donation and reuse of existing seats

A fresh look for the BayArena: The Bayer 04 stadium will have new seating in the form of folding seats for the 2026/27 campaign that will ensure significantly improved seating comfort and simplified movement within the rows of seats. As part of routine replacement after 17 years, fans of the Werkself were able to purchase the existing seats, used to witness the first German league title in the club's history. In addition, a large proportion of the seats will be donated to charitable projects, primarily in the local region. Bayer 04 fans can look forward to new, functional folding seats for the season opener at the beginning of August - still in the club colours of black and red, of course. A glimpse at the BayArena during the refurbishment.

Show more