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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.
As with the other youth teams (U16 to U19), Bayer 04 are also relying on familiar faces—some in new roles—and fresh impetus from the coaching staff for the 2026/27 season in the younger age groups. An overview of the U11 to U15 teams.
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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.
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As well as internal changes and familiar faces, Bayer 04 are also looking to bring fresh impetus to the coaching staff of the senior youth squads for the 2026/27 campaign. Here is an overview of the U19, U17 and U16 teams.
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Bayer 04 have signed 16-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn from Hertha Berlin. The Germany U17 international is joining the Werkself from the Berlin Bundesliga 2 club on a long-term contract. Eichhorn made 19 appearances for the Hertha Berlin first team last season, scoring two goals.
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