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

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