Back
3.11.2023Werkself-TV

Alonso ahead of #TSGB04: Complete the next stage of the marathon

Mission holding on to top spot: The Werkself are away to TSG Hoffenheim on Bundesliga matchday 10 in the 2023/24 season. The clash between the league leaders from Leverkusen and the team in sixth place kicks off at 15.30 CET on Saturday 4 November at the PreZero Arena in Sinsheim. Ahead of the game, Xabi Alonso talked about TSG and his Hoffenheim fellow coaches as well as Edmond Tapsoba who was substituted during the week.

Display videos

Yes, I'd like to see videos dispalyed.

Looking at the packed fixture list in the current phase of the season, Xabi Alonso talked about a "marathon" at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon where we "want to aim for a good result in every game." Building on the successful run of 13 wins in 14 games needs "a big squad and every individual player. We saw in Sandhausen again that nobody is giving anything away and that we must never lose our focus."

The fact Bayer 04 remain unbeaten this season is also due to strengthening the squad in the summer. "I'm a better coach when I have better players," said Alonso.

Tapsoba available for Hoffenheim game

Defender Edmond Tapsoba was substituted on 46 minutes in the 5-2 victory in Sandhausen on Wednesday. The Burkina Faso international landed on his left hand in the first half but he is available to play against Hoffenheim on Saturday. Tapsoba will wear a protective cast in the game.

3,000 Werkself Fans in Sinsheim

TSG Hoffenheim have 18 points from nine games in the Bundesliga and they already have a four-point lead in sixth place over the teams below them. In reference to Hoffenheim, Alonso talked about a "good mix of young and experienced players. There are very compact and have an intelligent style of play. That is also down to the coach (Pellegrino Matarazzo, ed.), who is doing a good job. It will be an intense game."

As with the cup tie in Sandhausen, the Werkself will have the support of 3,000 fans in Sinsheim with all the away allocation sold. No tickets will be on sale at the ground.

 

Related News

Gruppenfoto beim Aktionstag für Frauen und Mädchen mit Handicap gemeinsam mit den Bayer 04-Frauen
Sustainability - 28.03.2026

Inclusion, community and first team autographs: Day of action for women and girls with disabilities

A simple approach to sport with games, fun and a highlight at the end: Bayer 04 organised a very special training session for 40 participants aged between six and 27 in cooperation with the Football Association of the Middle Rhine (FVM). At the day of action for women and girls with disabilities at the Kurtekotten Performance Centre, many of the participants gained their first experience of football.

Show more
BayArena dunkel
Bayer 04 - 28.03.2026

Earth Hour 2026: BayArena switches off lights for the planet

On Saturday, 28 March, the lights will go out again at the BayArena from 20:30 pm to 21:30. As in previous years, Bayer 04 once again take part in the WWF Earth Hour campaign under the motto "We're switching off" as the club wants to set a collective example for more climate and environmental protection together with people, cities and companies around the world.

Show more
Kerim Alajbegovic
Bayer 04 - 27.03.2026

Goalscorer and hard worker: Alajbegovic and big steps in Salzburg

Less than a year ago, Kerim Alajbegovic moved from the Bayer 04 U19s to Austrian top-flight club FC Red Bull Salzburg. The forward’s development since then has been impressive. In 36 matches, including in the UEFA Europa League, the 18-year-old has scored 14 goals. In the summer, Alajbegovic, now a Bosnia international, will return to Leverkusen - and thus not only achieve the next milestone still early in his career, but also enrich the Werkself squad with his footballing versatility and determination.

Show more
Nathan Tella mit Simon Rolfes
Bayer 04 - 24.03.2026

Nathan Tella signs new deal with Bayer 04 to 2031

Bayer 04 Leverkusen have extended the contract with forward Nathan Tella ahead of schedule. The versatile 26-year-old, who can be deployed as a right winger, false nine or left winger, has penned a new contract to 30 June 2031. Tella joined the Werkself from Championship club Southampton in 2023. His previous contract ran to the summer of 2028.

Show more
Nathan Tella verlängert: „Unglaubliches Gefühl, Teil dieses Clubs zu sein“
Werkself-TV - 24.03.2026

'Amazing feeling to be part of this club': Tella extends contract to 2031

Nathan Tella has extended his contract with Bayer 04 to 2031. In an interview with Werkself TV, the 26-year-old talks about fulfilling his dreams, his positive outlook on life and his goals for the future. He answers the questions in English - all except the last one, which he addresses directly to the fans...

Show more