Alonso ahead of #SVWB04: ‘We always take it seriously in Bremen’

The time for recovery after the intense Champions League encounter in France is short. "But that's not a new situation for us," declared Xabi Alonso  at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. "Of course, it's a bit different with the Champions League compared to the Europa League. But we aren't using all those games as an excuse. We have strength in depth in the squad but we need every single player and we trust every single player as well."

Alonso responded to a question on Amine Adli, who suffered a broken leg in the game against Stade Brest: "It's a big blow for us. We'll miss him both on and off the pitch. He's a very important player and character in the team. I spoke to him after the operation yesterday and everything went well. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait a long time for his return."

There is still a question mark over Victor Boniface playing. Whether or not the striker travels to Bremen will be decided after the final pre-match training session on Friday afternoon. "I've spoken to him, he feels much better. If he feels good after the training session he'll be with us. He's used the last days well and worked on his own," said Alonso about the Nigeria international who was involved in an accident last weekend.

reconstruction of away end at WERDER Bremen: even closer to the fans

Asked about the atmosphere at the floodlit game at the Weserstadion on Saturday, Alonso said: "The atmosphere is always brilliant there. We've never let it get to us and we've always taken it seriously there." The support from Bayer 04 fans can contribute to a winning night in the Hanseatic city: Over 4,200 Bayer 04 supporters will travel meaning the away section is sold out – which this season housed in the lower tier in contrast to previous days in the upper tier. "The support of our own fans is extremely important for us. We always like to see our fans away from home and are happy to hear and see them. They give us an extra boost!"

Alonso sounds warning

Werder Bremen are currently next to bottom in the home form table with one point from three games while the away form puts them in second place with ten out of a possible twelve points. Werder have scored all twelve of their previous goals in the league this season on the road. "We all know Bremen. The coach (Ole Werner, at Werder Bremen since November 2021, ed.) has been there a long time and has a clear approach. The team operates well together and they have a lot of quality."

One member of the team who has become a leading player at Werder Bremen is Mitchell Weiser. The former Leverkusen player has been involved in five goals in seven league matches this term. Asked about the 30-year-old wing-back, Alonso, who played alongside Weiser at Bayern Munich in 2014/15, said: "He's very important for Bremen. He can both play as a full-back or provide a threat on goal further up the field. On top of that he is two-footed and has experience. We've been warned."

The Bundesliga top match in Bremen on Saturday night, kicking off at 18.30 CEST, is on Sky and Werkself Radio.