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"We are happy that all our players have returned from international duty fit and well. We don't have much time now but that's the normal dynamic," declared Alonso at the pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon. Following the international break, today's training session will be the first and the last where the Spaniard has his whole squad available. Alonso therefore talked about the need for "express preparation" on the training ground.
Despite the short amount of time, there is great anticipation both amongst the players and the coach. Alonso: "We're happy to get going again. We'll face a good opponent. The last two matches against Hoffenheim were tight (3-2, 2-1, ed.). It will be a tough and difficult match. We have to be organised and in control – with the ball and above all without it. We need the highest possible level of concentration for the whole game and that was missing against Leipzig (2-3, ed.).”
Like the Werkself, Hoffenheim have started the new Bundesliga season with a win (3-2 against Holstein Kiel) and a defeat (3-1 against Eintracht Frankfurt). Andrej Kramaric did score a hat-trick against Holstein Kiel and another goal against Eintracht Frankfurt. In addition to the on form Kramaric, the recently transferred Adam Hlozek adds strength to the TSG attack. Alonso said about Hlozek: "We are happy to see him again so quickly. Of course, we know him well, he's a battler and has a good shot. At Hoffenheim he is now in a good situation and he will get a lot of time on the pitch."
Alonso also had positive news about his own players: "Jerry (Jeremie Frimpong, ed.) is with us tomorrow. Pala (Exequiel Palacios, ed.) is making good progress.” Frimpong left the Netherlands squad early during the international break for personal reasons. Alonso also talked about Nordi Mukiele: "He trained very well during the international break and made best use of the time. He has a good attitude and more and more understands our system and our style of play."
The Werkself can look forward to outstanding backing tomorrow. Bayer 04 are expecting 4,000 travelling fans to make the journey to TSG. Bayer 04 have taken up all the away allocation. The Nordkurve12 fan group has called on all fans making the journey to Sinsheim to wear the Werkself jersey.
The Golden Boy Top 100 traditionally lists Europe’s most promising young players. In the latest update, published to mark the start of the new season, four current Werkself players – alongside loanee Francis Onyeka – feature on the list. This means Bayer 04 have the most players in contention of any Bundesliga club.
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Goalkeeper Rafaela Borggräfe will continue to play for Bayer 04 Leverkusen next season. The loan of the Germany U23 international, who joined from Liverpool in the winter, has been extended by a further year.
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The Bayer 04 delegation, led by Fernando Carro, CEO, concluded their multi-day trip to Brazil with a visit to the community-based organisation Bola Pra Frente in Rio de Janeiro – founded by former Werkself player Jorginho. During the visit, Bayer 04 committed to extending support for the Bola Pra Frente project for a further five years. In addition, Jorginho, a member of the Brazil 1994 World Cup-winning squad, was named Bayer 04’s second official club legend. With the visit to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, the club has strengthened the relationships built up over the years in one of Bayer 04’s most important international markets.
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Ten years after retiring as a player, Kristina Sundov is returning to the Bayer 04 Women’s team as assistant coach. The 39-year-old former Croatia international takes over from Remzi Kahraman, who has taken up a new challenge abroad. She has been given a contract to 30 June 2028.
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The training pitches at the BayArena are already buzzing with activity again, even before training officially begins next week. On Monday morning, a small group from the Werkself first-team squad completed a session lasting around an hour. Both new and familiar faces were present.
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